System and method for remote monitoring and control of landfill and recycling operations

ABSTRACT

A system and method for remote monitoring and control of landfill and recycling operations provide an intelligent centralized platform for remote, real-time industrial data gathering and process control for management of landfill and recycling operations such as leachate, gas, water and other liquids. The system and method can directly upload machine data (such as liquid volumes, flows, level, equipment runtime, sorter data, status, etc) into a centralized platform. This data can be used for analytics and automation of processes and equipment control.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit, and priority benefit, of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/030,170, filed May 26, 2020,the disclosure and contents of which are incorporated by referenceherein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND Field of Invention

The presently disclosed subject matter relates generally to industrialprocess control, and more specifically to remote monitoring and controlof landfill and recycling operations.

Description of the Related Art

Landfill and recycling facilities can utilize various types of equipmentsuch as pumps, flares, sorters, recycling sorting robots, and balers.Prior systems and methods for data collection and analysis fromequipment in these facilities have been inefficient and time-consuming.Improvements to this field of technology are therefore desired.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosed subjectmatter in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspectsthereof. This summary is not an exhaustive overview of the technologydisclosed herein.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a system for remote monitoring andcontrol of flare activity in a landfill facility for disposal of wastematerials is provided. The system can include: a memory; a display forviewing by a user; a processor coupled to the memory programmed withexecutable instructions, the instructions including a landfill datainterface for obtaining specific real-time data relating to landfillactivity comprising at least one of temperature data, gas pressure data,gas vacuum data, gas flow data, blower motor current, vacuum targetsetpoint and gas flow target setpoint; a flare control valve or blowerspeed that is connected to a flare gas supply from the landfill and isoperable to regulate the amount of flare gas delivered to the flare; anda monitoring component for: comparing the obtained landfill activityreal-time data with pre-stored information from a database, andanalyzing the difference between the obtained landfill activityreal-time data and the stored information to identify whether thelandfill activity has surpassed a pre-set threshold value, wherein thepre-set threshold value is based on one or more of gas pressure/vacuum,gas flow, and flare temperature, and displaying the analysis results onthe display, and automatically sending a control signal to the flarecontrol valve or blower speed to increase or decrease the amount offlare gas provided to the flare based on the results of the analysis ofthe landfill activity real-time data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a method for remotely monitoringand controlling flare activity in a landfill facility for disposal ofwaste materials is provided. The method can include causing flare gasfrom the landfill facility to engage a flare control valve or blowerspeed that is automatically operable and capable of supplying flare gasto the flare; obtaining, by at least one reader device located withinthe landfill facility, specific real-time data relating to landfillactivity comprising at least one of temperature data, gas pressure data,gas vacuum data, gas flow data, blower motor current, vacuum targetsetpoint and gas flow target setpoint; comparing the obtained landfillactivity data with pre-stored information from a database; analyzing, bya processor, the difference between the obtained landfill activityreal-time data and the pre-stored information to identify whether thelandfill activity has surpassed a pre-set threshold value, wherein thepre-set threshold value is based on one or more of gas pressure/vacuum,gas flow, and flare temperature; and automatically operating the flarecontrol valve or blower speed by the processor sending a control signalto the flare control valve to increase or decrease the amount of flaregas supplied to the flare, based on the results of the analysis of thelandfill activity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a system for remote monitoring andcontrol of flare activity in a landfill facility for disposal of wastematerials is provided. The system can include: a memory; a display forviewing by a user; a processor coupled to the memory programmed withexecutable instructions, the instructions including a landfill interfacefor obtaining specific real-time data relating to landfill activitycomprising at least one of temperature data, gas pressure data, gasvacuum data, gas flow data, blower motor current, vacuum target setpointand gas flow target setpoint; a flare control valve or blower that isconnected to a flare gas supply from the landfill and is operable toregulate the amount of flare gas delivered to the flare; and amonitoring component for: comparing the obtained landfill activityreal-time data with pre-stored information from a database, andanalyzing the difference between the obtained landfill activityreal-time data and the pre-stored information to identify whether thelandfill activity has surpassed a pre-set threshold value, wherein thepre-set threshold value is based on one or more of gas pressure/vacuum,gas flow, and flare temperature, and displaying the analysis results asan alarm on the display, and receiving instructions from the user tosend a control signal to the flare control valve to increase or decreasethe amount of flare gas provided to the flare, based on a determinationmade by the user after reviewing the results of the analysis of thelandfill activity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, method for remotely monitoring andcontrolling flare activity in a landfill facility for disposal of wastematerials is provided. The method can include: causing flare gas fromthe landfill facility to engage a flare control valve or blower speedthat is automatically operable and supplies flare gas to the flare;obtaining, by at least one reader device located within the landfillfacility, specific real-time data relating to landfill activitycomprising at least one of temperature data, gas pressure data, gasvacuum data, gas flow data, blower motor current, vacuum target setpointand gas flow target setpoint; comparing the obtained landfill activityreal-time data with pre-stored information from a database; analyzing,by a processor, the difference between the obtained landfill activityreal-time data and the pre-stored information to identify whether thelandfill activity has surpassed a pre-set threshold value, wherein thepre-set threshold value is based on one or more of gas pressure/vacuum,gas flow, and flare temperature; displaying the analysis results as analarm on a display for a user; and receiving instructions from the userregarding automatically operating the flare control valve, by sending acontrol signal to the flare control valve to increase or decrease theamount of flare gas supplied to the flare, based on a determination madeby the user after reviewing the results of the analysis of the landfillactivity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a system for remote monitoring andcontrol of air compressor activity in a landfill facility for disposalof waste materials is provided. The system can include: a memory; adisplay for viewing by a user; a processor coupled to the memoryprogrammed with executable instructions, the instructions including alandfill data interface for obtaining specific real-time data relatingto landfill activity comprising at least one of storage liquid leveldata, air compressor pressure data, air compressor temperature data,pump status data, pump current data, and force main and air supplypressure data; an air compressor that is connected to control valve isoperable to regulate the amount of liquid within a landfill cell, tank,gas well or lift-station; and a monitoring component for: comparing theobtained landfill activity real-time data with pre-stored informationfrom a database, and analyzing the difference between the obtainedlandfill activity real-time data and the stored information to identifywhether the landfill activity has surpassed a pre-set threshold value,wherein the pre-set threshold value is based on at least one of landfillliquid levels, volumes, disposal volume and storage capacity; displayingthe analysis results on the display; and automatically sending a controlsignal to the pumps of control valves to increase or decrease the amountof liquid provided to disposal or storage based on the results of theanalysis of the landfill activity real-time data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a method for remotely monitoringand controlling air compressor activity in a landfill facility fordisposal of waste materials is provided. The method can include an aircompressor that is connected to a control valve is operable to regulatethe amount of liquid within a landfill cell, tank, gas well orlift-station, and: obtaining, by at least one reader device locatedwithin the landfill facility, specific real-time data relating tolandfill activity comprising at least one of storage liquid level data,air compressor pressure data, air compressor temperature data, pumpstatus data, pump current data, and force main and air supply pressuredata; comparing the obtained landfill activity data with pre-storedinformation from a database; analyzing, by a processor, the differencebetween the obtained landfill activity real-time data and the pre-storedinformation to identify whether the landfill activity has surpassed apre-set threshold value, wherein the pre-set threshold value is based onat least one of landfill liquid levels, volumes, disposal volume andstorage capacity; and automatically operating the control valve, by theprocessor sending a control signal to the pumps to increase or decreasethe amount of liquid within a landfill cell, gas wells, tank orlift-station; based on the results of the analysis of the landfillactivity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a system for remote monitoring andcontrol of air compressor activity in a landfill facility for disposalof waste materials is provided. The system can include: a memory; adisplay for viewing by a user; a processor coupled to the memoryprogrammed with executable instructions, the instructions including alandfill interface for obtaining specific real-time data relating tolandfill activity comprising at least one of storage liquid level data,air compressor pressure data, air compressor temperature data, pumpstatus data, pump current data, and force main and air supply pressuredata; an air compressor that is connected to a control valve is operableto regulate the amount of liquid within a landfill cell, gas well, tankor lift-station; and a monitoring component for: comparing the obtainedlandfill activity real-time data with pre-stored information from adatabase; analyzing the difference between the obtained landfillactivity real-time data and the pre-stored information to identifywhether the landfill activity has surpassed a pre-set threshold value,wherein the pre-set threshold value is based on at least one of landfillliquid levels, volumes, disposal volume and storage capacity; displayingthe analysis results as an alarm on the display; and receivinginstructions from the user to send a control signal to the control valveor pump to increase or decrease the amount of liquid within a landfillcell, gas well, tank or lift-station, based on a determination made bythe user after reviewing the results of the analysis of the landfillactivity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a method for remotely monitoringand controlling air compressors in a landfill facility for disposal ofwaste materials is provided. The method can include: an air compressorthat is connected to control valve is operable to regulate the amount ofliquid within a landfill cell, gas well, tank or lift-station, and:obtaining, by at least one reader device located within the landfillfacility, specific real-time data relating to landfill activitycomprising at least one of storage liquid level data, air compressorpressure data, air compressor temperature data, pump status data, pumpcurrent data, and force main and air supply pressure data; comparing theobtained landfill activity real-time data with pre-stored informationfrom a database; analyzing, by a processor, the difference between theobtained landfill activity real-time data and the pre-stored informationto identify whether the landfill activity has surpassed a pre-setthreshold value, wherein the pre-set threshold value is based on atleast one of landfill liquid levels, volumes, disposal volume andstorage capacity; displaying the analysis results as an alarm on adisplay for a user; and receiving instructions from the user regardingautomatically operating the control valve by sending a control signal tothe flare control valve to increase or decrease the amount of liquidwithin a landfill cell, gas wells, tank or lift-station, based on adetermination made by the user after reviewing the results of theanalysis of the landfill activity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a system for remote monitoring andcontrol of liquid storage tanks activity in a landfill facility fordisposal of waste materials is provided. The system can include: amemory; a display for viewing by a user; a processor coupled to thememory programmed with executable instructions, the instructionsincluding a landfill data interface for obtaining specific real-timedata relating to landfill activity comprising at least one of liquidlevel data, liquid flow data, liquid volume data, pump status data, pumpcurrent data, pump setpoints, force main and air supply pressure data; aliquid storage tank that is connected to a landfill pump station, gaswell or lift station is operable to regulate the amount of liquid withina landfill cell, tank, gas well or lift-station; and a monitoringcomponent for: comparing the obtained landfill activity real-time datawith pre-stored information from a database, and analyzing thedifference between the obtained landfill activity real-time data and thestored information to identify whether the landfill activity hassurpassed a pre-set threshold value, wherein the pre-set threshold valueis based on at least one of landfill liquid levels, volumes, disposalvolume and storage capacity; displaying the analysis results on thedisplay; and automatically sending a control signal to the Storage levelor pumps to increase or decrease the amount of liquid provided todisposal or storage based on the results of the analysis of the landfillactivity real-time data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a method for remotely monitoringand controlling liquid storage tanks activity in a landfill facility fordisposal of waste materials is provided. The method can include: astorage tank level or pumps that is connected to a landfill pumpstation, gas well or lift station is operable to regulate the amount ofliquid within a landfill cell, tank, gas well or lift-station, and:obtaining, by at least one reader device located within the landfillfacility, specific real-time data relating to landfill activitycomprising at least one of liquid level data, liquid flow data, liquidvolume data, pump status data, pump current data, pump setpoints, forcemain and air supply pressure data; comparing the obtained landfillactivity data with pre-stored information from a database; analyzing, bya processor, the difference between the obtained landfill activityreal-time data and the pre-stored information to identify whether thelandfill activity has surpassed a pre-set threshold value, wherein thepre-set threshold value is based on at least one of landfill liquidlevels, volumes, disposal volume and storage capacity; and automaticallyoperating the storage tank level or pumps, by the processor sending acontrol signal to the pumps to increase or decrease the amount of liquidwithin a landfill cell, gas wells, tank or lift-station; based on theresults of the analysis of the landfill activity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a system for remote monitoring andcontrol of storage tanks activity in a landfill facility for disposal ofwaste materials is provided. The system can include: a memory; a displayfor viewing by a user; a processor coupled to the memory programmed withexecutable instructions, the instructions including a landfill interfacefor obtaining specific real-time data relating to landfill activitycomprising at least one of liquid level data, liquid flow data, liquidvolume data, pump status data, pump current data, pump setpoints, forcemain and air supply pressure data; a storage tank level or pump that isconnected to a landfill pump station, gas well or lift station isoperable to regulate the amount of liquid within a landfill cell, gaswell, tank or lift-station; and a monitoring component for: comparingthe obtained landfill activity real-time data with pre-storedinformation from a database; analyzing the difference between theobtained landfill activity real-time data and the pre-stored informationto identify whether the landfill activity has surpassed a pre-setthreshold value, wherein the pre-set threshold value is based on atleast one of landfill liquid levels, volumes, disposal volume andstorage capacity; displaying the analysis results as an alarm on thedisplay; and receiving instructions from the user to send a controlsignal to the storage tank level or pump to increase or decrease theamount of liquid within a landfill cell, gas well, tank or lift-station,based on a determination made by the user after reviewing the results ofthe analysis of the landfill activity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a method for remotely monitoringand controlling storage tanks in a landfill facility for disposal ofwaste materials is provided. The method can include: a storage tanklevel or pump that is connected to a landfill pump station, gas well orlift station is operable to regulate the amount of liquid within alandfill cell, gas well, tank or lift-station, and: obtaining, by atleast one reader device located within the landfill facility, specificreal-time data relating to landfill activity comprising at least one ofliquid level data, liquid flow data, liquid volume data, pump statusdata, pump current data, pump setpoints, force main and air supplypressure data; comparing the obtained landfill activity real-time datawith pre-stored information from a database; analyzing, by a processor,the difference between the obtained landfill activity real-time data andthe pre-stored information to identify whether the landfill activity hassurpassed a pre-set threshold value, wherein the pre-set threshold valueis based on at least one of landfill liquid levels, volumes, disposalvolume and storage capacity; displaying the analysis results as an alarmon a display for a user; and receiving instructions from the userregarding automatically operating the storage tank level or pump bysending a control signal to the flare control valve to increase ordecrease the amount of liquid within a landfill cell, gas wells, tank orlift-station, based on a determination made by the user after reviewingthe results of the analysis of the landfill activity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a system for remote monitoring andcontrol of condensate sumps activity in a landfill facility for disposalof waste materials is provided. The system can include: a memory; adisplay for viewing by a user; a processor coupled to the memoryprogrammed with executable instructions, the instructions including alandfill data interface for obtaining specific real-time data relatingto landfill activity comprising at least one of liquid level data,liquid flow data, liquid volume data, pump status data, pump currentdata, pump setpoints, force main and air supply pressure data and pumppulses or strokes data; a condensate pump that is connected to alandfill sump, gas well or liquid storage tank is operable to regulatethe amount of liquid within a landfill cell, tank, gas well orlift-station; and a monitoring component for: comparing the obtainedlandfill activity real-time data with pre-stored information from adatabase; analyzing the difference between the obtained landfillactivity real-time data and the stored information to identify whetherthe landfill activity has surpassed a pre-set threshold value, whereinthe pre-set threshold value is based on at least one of landfill liquidlevels, volumes and storage capacity; displaying the analysis results onthe display; and automatically sending a control signal to thecondensate pumps to increase or decrease the amount of liquid providedto disposal or storage based on the results of the analysis of thelandfill activity real-time data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a method for remotely monitoringand controlling condensate pump activity in a landfill facility fordisposal of waste materials is provided. The method can include: acondensate pump that is connected to a landfill sump, gas well or liquidstorage tank is operable to regulate the amount of liquid within alandfill cell, tank, gas well or lift-station, and: obtaining, by atleast one reader device located within the landfill facility, specificreal-time data relating to landfill activity comprising at least one ofliquid level data, liquid flow data, liquid volume data, pump statusdata, pump current data, pump setpoints, force main and air supplypressure data and pump pulses or strokes data; comparing the obtainedlandfill activity data with pre-stored information from a database;analyzing, by a processor, the difference between the obtained landfillactivity real-time data and the pre-stored information to identifywhether the landfill activity has surpassed a pre-set threshold value,wherein the pre-set threshold value is based on at least one of landfillliquid levels, volumes and storage capacity; and automatically operatingthe condensate pumps, by the processor sending a control signal to thepumps to increase or decrease the amount of liquid within a landfillcell, gas wells, tank or lift-station; based on the results of theanalysis of the landfill activity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a system for remote monitoring andcontrol of condensate pumps activity in a landfill facility for disposalof waste materials is provided. The system can include: a memory; adisplay for viewing by a user; a processor coupled to the memoryprogrammed with executable instructions, the instructions including alandfill interface for obtaining specific real-time data relating tolandfill activity comprising at least one of liquid level data, liquidflow data, liquid volume data, pump status data, pump current data, pumpsetpoints, force main and air supply pressure data and pump pulses orstrokes data; a landfill pump that is connected to a landfill sump, gaswell or liquid storage tank is operable to regulate the amount of liquidwithin a landfill cell, tank or lift-station; and a monitoring componentfor: comparing the obtained landfill activity real-time data withpre-stored information from a database; analyzing the difference betweenthe obtained landfill activity real-time data and the pre-storedinformation to identify whether the landfill activity has surpassed apre-set threshold value, wherein the pre-set threshold value is based onat least one of landfill liquid levels, volumes and storage capacity;displaying the analysis results as an alarm on the display; andreceiving instructions from the user to send a control signal to thelandfill pumps to increase or decrease the amount of liquid within alandfill cell, tank or lift-station, based on a determination made bythe user after reviewing the results of the analysis of the landfillactivity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a method for remotely monitoringand controlling condensate pumps in a landfill facility for disposal ofwaste materials is provided. The method can include: a condensate pumpthat is connected to a landfill sump, gas well or liquid storage tank isoperable to regulate the amount of liquid within a landfill cell, tankor lift-station, and: obtaining, by at least one reader device locatedwithin the landfill facility, specific real-time data relating tolandfill activity comprising at least one of liquid level data, liquidflow data, liquid volume data, pump status data, pump current data, pumpsetpoints, force main pressure data and pump runtime data; comparing theobtained landfill activity real-time data with pre-stored informationfrom a database; analyzing, by a processor, the difference between theobtained landfill activity real-time data and the pre-stored informationto identify whether the landfill activity has surpassed a pre-setthreshold value, wherein the pre-set threshold value is based on atleast one of landfill liquid levels, volumes and storage capacity;displaying the analysis results as an alarm on a display for a user; andreceiving instructions from the user regarding automatically operatingthe condensate pumps by sending a control signal to the flare controlvalve to increase or decrease the amount of liquid within a landfillcell, gas wells, tank or lift-station, based on a determination made bythe user after reviewing the results of the analysis of the landfillactivity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a system for remote monitoring andcontrol of pump station activity in a landfill facility for disposal ofwaste materials is provided. The system can include: a memory; a displayfor viewing by a user; a processor coupled to the memory programmed withexecutable instructions, the instructions including a landfill datainterface for obtaining specific real-time data relating to landfillactivity comprising at least one of liquid level data, liquid flow data,liquid volume data, pump status data, pump current data, pump setpoints,force main and air supply pressure data and pump pulses or strokes data;a landfill pump that is connected to a landfill sump, gas well or liquidstorage tank is operable to regulate the amount of liquid within alandfill cell, tank, gas well or lift-station; and a monitoringcomponent for: comparing the obtained landfill activity real-time datawith pre-stored information from a database; analyzing the differencebetween the obtained landfill activity real-time data and the storedinformation to identify whether the landfill activity has surpassed apre-set threshold value, wherein the pre-set threshold value is based onat least one of landfill liquid levels, volumes and storage capacity;displaying the analysis results on the display; and automaticallysending a control signal to the landfill pumps to increase or decreasethe amount of liquid provided to disposal or storage based on theresults of the analysis of the landfill activity real-time data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a method for remotely monitoringand controlling liquid pump stations activity in a landfill facility fordisposal of waste materials is provided. The method can include: alandfill pump that is connected to a landfill sump, gas well or liquidstorage tank is operable to regulate the amount of liquid within alandfill cell, tank, gas well or lift-station, and: obtaining, by atleast one reader device located within the landfill facility, specificreal-time data relating to landfill activity comprising at least one ofliquid level data, liquid flow data, liquid volume data, pump statusdata, pump current data, pump setpoints, force main and air supplypressure data and pump pulses or strokes data; comparing the obtainedlandfill activity data with pre-stored information from a database;analyzing, by a processor, the difference between the obtained landfillactivity real-time data and the pre-stored information to identifywhether the landfill activity has surpassed a pre-set threshold value,wherein the pre-set threshold value is based on at least one of landfillliquid levels, volumes and storage capacity; and automatically operatingthe landfill pumps, by the processor sending a control signal to thepumps to increase or decrease the amount of liquid within a landfillcell, gas wells, tank or lift-station; based on the results of theanalysis of the landfill activity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a system for remote monitoring andcontrol of liquid pump stations activity in a landfill facility fordisposal of waste materials is provided. The system can include: amemory; a display for viewing by a user; a processor coupled to thememory programmed with executable instructions, the instructionsincluding a landfill interface for obtaining specific real-time datarelating to landfill activity comprising at least one of liquid leveldata, liquid flow data, liquid volume data, pump status data, pumpcurrent data, pump setpoints, force main and air supply pressure dataand pump pulses or strokes data; a landfill pump that is connected to alandfill sump, gas well or liquid storage tank is operable to regulatethe amount of liquid within a landfill cell, tank or lift-station; and amonitoring component for: comparing the obtained landfill activityreal-time data with pre-stored information from a database; analyzingthe difference between the obtained landfill activity real-time data andthe pre-stored information to identify whether the landfill activity hassurpassed a pre-set threshold value, wherein the pre-set threshold valueis based on at least one of landfill liquid levels, volumes and storagecapacity; displaying the analysis results as an alarm on the display;and receiving instructions from the user to send a control signal to thelandfill pumps to increase or decrease the amount of liquid within alandfill cell, tank or lift-station, based on a determination made bythe user after reviewing the results of the analysis of the landfillactivity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a method for remotely monitoringand controlling liquid pump stations in a landfill facility for disposalof waste materials is provided. The method can include: a landfill pumpthat is connected to a landfill sump, gas well or liquid storage tank isoperable to regulate the amount of liquid within a landfill cell, tankor lift-station, and: obtaining, by at least one reader device locatedwithin the landfill facility, specific real-time data relating tolandfill activity comprising at least one of liquid level data, liquidflow data, liquid volume data, pump status data, pump current data, pumpsetpoints, force main pressure data and pump runtime data; comparing theobtained landfill activity real-time data with pre-stored informationfrom a database; analyzing, by a processor, the difference between theobtained landfill activity real-time data and the pre-stored informationto identify whether the landfill activity has surpassed a pre-setthreshold value, wherein the pre-set threshold value is based on atleast one of landfill liquid levels, volumes and storage capacity;displaying the analysis results as an alarm on a display for a user; andreceiving instructions from the user regarding automatically operatingthe landfill pumps by sending a control signal to the flare controlvalve to increase or decrease the amount of liquid within a landfillcell, gas wells, tank or lift-station, based on a determination made bythe user after reviewing the results of the analysis of the landfillactivity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a system for remote monitoring andcontrol of pump station activity in a landfill facility for disposal ofwaste materials is provided. The system can include: a memory; a displayfor viewing by a user; a processor coupled to the memory programmed withexecutable instructions, the instructions including a landfill datainterface for obtaining specific real-time data relating to landfillactivity comprising at least one of liquid level data, liquid flow data,liquid volume data, pump status data, pump current data, pump setpoints,force main pressure data and pump runtime data; a landfill pump that isconnected to a landfill sump or liquid storage tank is operable toregulate the amount of liquid within a landfill cell, tank orlift-station; and a monitoring component for: comparing the obtainedlandfill activity real-time data with pre-stored information from adatabase; analyzing the difference between the obtained landfillactivity real-time data and the stored information to identify whetherthe landfill activity has surpassed a pre-set threshold value, whereinthe pre-set threshold value is based on at least one of landfill liquidlevels, volumes and storage capacity; displaying the analysis results onthe display; and automatically sending a control signal to the landfillpumps to increase or decrease the amount of liquid provided to disposalor storage based on the results of the analysis of the landfill activityreal-time data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a method for remotely monitoringand controlling liquid pump stations activity in a landfill facility fordisposal of waste materials is provided. The method can include: alandfill pump that is connected to a landfill sump or liquid storagetank is operable to regulate the amount of liquid within a landfillcell, tank or lift-station, and: obtaining, by at least one readerdevice located within the landfill facility, specific real-time datarelating to landfill activity comprising at least one of liquid leveldata, liquid flow data, liquid volume data, pump status data, pumpcurrent data, pump setpoints, force main pressure data and pump runtimedata; comparing the obtained landfill activity data with pre-storedinformation from a database; analyzing, by a processor, the differencebetween the obtained landfill activity real-time data and the pre-storedinformation to identify whether the landfill activity has surpassed apre-set threshold value, wherein the pre-set threshold value is based onat least one of landfill liquid levels, volumes and storage capacity;and automatically operating the landfill pumps, by the processor sendinga control signal to the pumps to increase or decrease the amount ofliquid within a landfill cell, tank or lift-station; based on theresults of the analysis of the landfill activity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a system for remote monitoring andcontrol of liquid pump stations activity in a landfill facility fordisposal of waste materials is provided. The system can include: amemory; a display for viewing by a user; a processor coupled to thememory programmed with executable instructions, the instructionsincluding a landfill interface for obtaining specific real-time datarelating to landfill activity comprising at least one of liquid leveldata, liquid flow data, liquid volume data, pump status data, pumpcurrent data, pump setpoints, force main pressure data and pump runtimedata; a landfill pump that is connected to a landfill sump or liquidstorage tank is operable to regulate the amount of liquid within alandfill cell, tank or lift-station; and a monitoring component for:comparing the obtained landfill activity real-time data with pre-storedinformation from a database; analyzing the difference between theobtained landfill activity real-time data and the pre-stored informationto identify whether the landfill activity has surpassed a pre-setthreshold value, wherein the pre-set threshold value is based on atleast one of landfill liquid levels, volumes and storage capacity;displaying the analysis results as an alarm on the display; andreceiving instructions from the user to send a control signal to thelandfill pumps to increase or decrease the amount of liquid within alandfill cell, tank or lift-station, based on a determination made bythe user after reviewing the results of the analysis of the landfillactivity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a method for remotely monitoringand controlling liquid pump stations in a landfill facility for disposalof waste materials is provided. The method can include: a landfill pumpthat is connected to a landfill sump or liquid storage tank is operableto regulate the amount of liquid within a landfill cell, tank orlift-station, and: obtaining, by at least one reader device locatedwithin the landfill facility, specific real-time data relating tolandfill activity comprising at least one of liquid level data, liquidflow data, liquid volume data, pump status data, pump current data, pumpsetpoints, force main pressure data and pump runtime data; comparing theobtained landfill activity real-time data with pre-stored informationfrom a database; analyzing, by a processor, the difference between theobtained landfill activity real-time data and the pre-stored informationto identify whether the landfill activity has surpassed a pre-setthreshold value, wherein the pre-set threshold value is based on atleast one of landfill liquid levels, volumes and storage capacity;displaying the analysis results as an alarm on a display for a user; andreceiving instructions from the user regarding automatically operatingthe landfill pumps by sending a control signal to the flare controlvalve to increase or decrease the amount of liquid within a landfillcell, tank or lift-station, based on a determination made by the userafter reviewing the results of the analysis of the landfill activitydata.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the presently disclosed subject matter can beobtained when the detailed description is considered in conjunction withthe following drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing means for data collection in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subjectmatter.

FIG. 2 is a screen shot of a display screen in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3 is a layout of a landfill equipment connectivity and controlmechanism in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the presentlydisclosed subject matter.

FIG. 4 is a layout of a landfill equipment connectivity and controlmechanism in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the presentlydisclosed subject matter.

FIG. 5 is a home screen display in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 6 is an assets header page in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 7 is an asset screen (i.e., a flare screen) in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 8 is a flare settings popup screen in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 9 is a leachate pump—electric screen in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 10 is a pump station settings popup window in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 11 is a building information popup window in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 12 is a runtime information popup window in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 13 is a leachate pump—pneumatic screen in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 14 is a pump station settings popup window in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 15 is a condensate sump screen in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 16 is a pump station settings popup window in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 17 is a flare settings popup window in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 18 is a tank farm flows screen in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 19 is an influent flow settings popup window in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 20 is an influent/effluent flow settings popup window in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subjectmatter.

FIG. 21 is an influent/effluent flow settings popup window in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subjectmatter.

FIG. 22 is a tank farm levels screen in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 23 is a level settings popup window in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 24 is a tank farm P&ID screen in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 25 is a tank farm valve settings popup window in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 26 is an air compressor screen in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 27 is an air compressor settings popup window in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 28 is a troubleshooting section of an air compressor user manual inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment of the presently disclosedsubject matter.

FIG. 29 is a trends screen in accordance with an illustrative embodimentof the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 30 is a data query screen in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 31 is an alarms screen in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 32 is an alarm detail popup window in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 33 is a tank farm flows overview screen in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 34 is a pumps overview screen in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 35 is a pumps overview trends and graphs screen in accordance withan illustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 36 is an alarm analysis screen in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 37 is a level alarm analysis screen in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 38 is a communications overview screen in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 39 is a reports screen in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 40 is a maintenance form screen in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 41 is a setpoint screen in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

While certain preferred illustrative embodiments will be describedherein, it will be understood that this description is not intended tolimit the subject matter to those embodiments. On the contrary, it isintended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, asmay be included within the spirit and scope of the subject matter asdefined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed subject matter relates generally to industrialprocess control, and more particularly to a system and method for remotemonitoring and control of landfill and recycling operations.

In certain illustrative embodiments, the presently disclosed system andmethod provide an intelligent centralized platform for remote, real-timeindustrial data gathering and process control for management of landfilland recycling operations such as leachate, gas, water and other liquids.The system and method can directly upload machine data (such as liquidvolumes, flows, level, equipment runtime, sorter data, status, etc) intoa centralized platform. This data can be used for analytics andautomation of processes and equipment control.

In certain illustrative embodiments, landfill wastewater and flareequipment is connected to a supervisory control and data acquisition(“SCADA”) platform that is capable of allowing remote control ofequipment. The platform can automatically monitor the health of thelandfill water and gas environmental operational technology, which caninclude: one or more of: (i) automatically sending control signals topumps and blowers to adjust equipment speeds and status based on activeliquid storage levels; (ii) automatically convert landfill pump and gascollected data into web-based dashboards and reports; (iii) providealarms via SMS, email and voice calls; and (iv) provide remote web-basedoperations of landfill environmental operational technology.

In certain illustrative embodiments, remotely controlled operations caninclude: one or more of: (i) remote control of the on/off setpoints forthe pumps at a pumping location; (ii) remote control of the resettingalarms or alerts; (iii) collection of pump motor runtime and amount ofpump starts; (iv) providing the remote users the option to adjustpumping levels and enable or disable alarms without the need for anytype of programming; and (iv) providing the remote users the ability toadjust alarm thresholds thus giving each alarm a pipeline action.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the presently disclosed system and method canutilize various data collection means for gathering and displaying ofmachine data from landfill and recycling equipment such as pumps,flares, sorters, recycling sorting robots, and balers. Machine databased on key performance indicators can automatically be collected fromthe field equipment and stored onto databases where data is compiled andanalysis is performed on a digital platform. The digital platform can beweb-based and supply end-users with an interface to allow interactionwith the data from field equipment. The platform can also be mobileresponsive and automatically generate key performance indicators of thelandfill and recycling equipment based on data queries. The platform canautomatically collect data remotely like pump runtime and current andnumber of starts, and then compare the data to other data such as liquidflows, volumes, and levels. A SCADA system can be utilized that analyzesthe data, makes determinations based on the data, and then allows remotecontrol of landfill and recycling equipment such as pumps, flares,sorters, robots and balers.

In certain illustrative embodiments, the presently disclosed system andmethod can involve a database query. The database query can be automatedto provide a quick reference to the field equipment specialized forlandfill equipment such as pumping and landfill gas flare applications.Pump KPI dashboards are developed to provide insight into theequipment's real-time and historical data. This system automates thefollowing data gathering and visualization, which is typically not doneby landfill or recycling operations. If operations is performing thesedata gathering and visualization, it is typically completed manuallywhich is inefficient and prone to error.

A representative screen shot of a display screen is shown in FIG. 2,according to certain illustrative embodiments. The screen is dividedbetween two central panels with similar functionality, as both contain abar chart and a time-series chart. The time-scale for the charts in bothgroups can be adjusted using the Start and End date and time selectorsin the top-right corner of the screen.

The top panel provides a level analysis of the pumps. The bar chartshows the level of each pump at the start and end times selected. Thebottom panel shows data for the flow, motor current, volume, runtime,and the number of starts or pump cycles for each pump as a bar chart.Providing a date selection (Day and Time) to start and end the pumpquery. Pump liquid flow (LPM and GPM) are divided by the pump runtime.Pump current (amps) is divided by the pump runtime. Liquid levels aredisplayed based on a “Start” day and time.

In certain illustrative embodiments, the system gathers alarms andalerts from landfill equipment such as pumps, flares, storage tanks, andrecycling equipment such as sorters and balers. The SCADA systemcollects these alarms and they are stored onto the database. From theDashboards submenu, the Alarm Analysis screen shows aggregated detailsabout alarms triggered during a specific time-frame. At the top of thescreen there are two date and time selectors used to select the startand end times of the time-frame to analyze. Next to the selectors,dropdown lists are used to filter alarm results by priority, assetgroup, or by a specific asset. A numeric text field is used to specifythe total number of alarm results to analyze. This number will onlyaffect the results if there are more alarms in the selected time-framethan the specified number limit. To apply the selected filters, clickthe refresh arrow to the right of the numeric text field. The resultsare split into five panels which display the data in different formats:(i) Top Left Panel—Provides the Alarm Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)in a table, including but not limited to total alarms, total duration inan alarm state, and average time to acknowledge and clear; (ii) TopRight Panel—Provides a time-series chart of the number of alarms perhour and the duration they lasted. Hovering the mouse cursor over ortapping on the chart creates guiding lines and labels showing the datavalues at that place in the chart; (iii) Middle Left and RightPanels—Contain pie charts showing alarm frequency and durationpercentages. Hovering the mouse cursor over or tapping the panels ofthese charts opens a small popup window displaying the name andpercentage of the alarm; and (iv) Bottom Panel—Provides a table showinga summary of the alarms by priority. The table can be sorted by clickingon the column headings. Only one column can be used to sort at a time.

Operating the System

Overview

In certain illustrative embodiments, the presently disclosed system andmethod can utilize a supervisory control and data acquisition (“SCADA”)platform with menu based navigation organized by topic to provide quickand easy access to one or more of landfill assets such as operationalstatus, real time and historical asset data, alarms, electronicreporting, a maintenance form, and current weather conditions.

Illustrative embodiments of the landfill equipment connectivity andcontrol mechanisms for the presently disclosed system and method areshown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

An illustrative embodiment of a home screen for the presently disclosedsystem and method is shown in FIG. 5. On the left side of the screenthere is a side navigation bar which is used to navigate the SCADAsystem. Hovering the mouse over the side navigation bar reveals achevron button (“<”) which can be used to hide the side bar. This buttonis located off the right side of the bar and is centered vertically.This button can be clicked again to bring the navigation bar back inplace, or can be dragged up or down to reposition the button. Someoptions are hidden within fly-out submenus which open when clicked.Clicking on a menu option which opens a fly-out submenu does not changethe screen being viewed.

The Home button on the side navigation bar is the screen that appearswhen the system is first loaded. This screen can consist of satelliteimagery of the landfill site with icons and data labels marking wherethe different assets are located on the site. An exception is thecondensate sumps, which can be found in the bottom right corner of thescreen. The data for each asset can be updated in real-time, andclicking or tapping on the data will open the corresponding asset pagefor a more detailed display. A summary explanation of each asset pagecan be found in the following sections. To return to the main screenfrom an asset screen, click on the Home button on the side navigationbar.

In certain illustrative embodiments, the home screen will look differenton mobile devices. For example, in some smaller screens, the map is notshown and the data labels are tiled to make review easier.

Assets

An illustrative embodiment of a assets header page for the presentlydisclosed system and method is shown in FIG. 6. The Assets button on theside navigation bar opens the Assets fly-out submenu. This menu leads tothe screens for six different asset types: (1.) Flare, (2.) LeachatePumps—Electric, (3.) Leachate Pumps—Pneumatic, (4.) Condensate Sumps,(5.) Leachate Tank Farm, and (6.) Air Compressor. Note that three assettypes, Leachate Pumps—Electric, Leachate Pumps—Pneumatic, and CondensateSumps, include a fly-out menu that leads to individual assets screens ofthat type. The Leachate Tank Farm submenu provides screens that areuniquely configured to display the Leachate Tank Farm assets and data.

An illustrative embodiment of an example asset screen (i.e., a Flarescreen) for the presently disclosed system and method is shown in FIG.7. Each asset screen can contains the following common features:

(i) Asset name: each of the individual asset screens have a title headershowing the asset name.

(ii) Alarm indicator: located in the upper right hand corner whichdisplays the current number of active unacknowledged alarms for thatasset. See Alarms section below for a summary of the Alarms screen whichprovides an overview of alarms available for each asset. Clicking thealarm indicator shows the alarms for that particular asset. Clicking theBack button returns to the asset screen.

(iii) Network indicator: located in the upper right hand corner displayswhether or not the screen is getting live data from the associatedasset. Some assets gather data from two or more devices. A Greenindicator means all the device connections for that asset are good, Redmeans none of the device connections for that asset are good, and Yellowmeans only some of the device connections for that asset are good.

The asset screens other than the Leachate Tank Farm screen, aregenerally structured the same and include three main panels. The panelsfunction as follows:

(i) Top left panel: presents real-time operating data and in some casesprovides buttons to clear alarms or restart equipment. The operatingdata is presented as light grey horizontal process bars. The processbars each include a black line indicator as well as a label showing thecurrent value. They present the normal expected range for the data as adarker grey field within the light grey bar. Clicking on the process barwill cause a set point popup to appear that displays the set points forthat asset. An illustrative embodiment for the presently disclosedsystem and method is shown in FIG. 8.

(ii) Bottom left panel: with the exception of the Air Compressor Screen,this panel presents the daily flow totals for the past ten days in theform of a bar chart. Each bar is colored green with the date displayedon the left. Hovering the mouse over a bar, or tapping on mobiledevices, will create a small popup containing the data value. This popupwill disappear when the mouse is moved off the bar or the screen istapped elsewhere. Please note that the scaling of the bars depends onthe largest daily volume.

(iii) Right Panel: presents a time-series charts with trending datacustomized to the asset type. To change the horizontal time scale, clickon one of the time options at the bottom of the page. The time scale ofeach chart can be individually managed by clicking and dragging thedata-series or by using the mouse scroll wheel, and can be reset byclicking the icon that appears in the top right corner of the chart.Hovering the mouse over a chart will create a small popup containing thevalue and timestamp of that data point. This can be toggled on or offvia the Trace option at the bottom of the page. The toggle switch at thebottom of the page is used to change between Real-time and Historicaltrends. The Real-time trend mode displays data going back in time a setamount from the most recently gathered data, and updates as new data iscollected. The Historical trend mode displays the data gathered betweentwo specified points in time, and will not be updated with any newinformation that is recorded. In Historical mode, clicking the Start orEnd fields will open a date selector allowing the selection of a dateand time to bind the search query.

Screens for the six asset types are discussed below.

Flare

An illustrative embodiment of a flare screen for the presently disclosedsystem and method is shown in FIG. 7. In addition to the general screenpanel functionality described above, the following summarizes the uniquefeatures of this flare screen:

In the top left panel, the running indicator uses both text and color todepict if the flare is running: green if running and red if not running.If the flare is running and an operating parameter falls outside of thenormal expected range (dark gray bar) the process bar will turn red toindicate an alarm condition. The Restart Flare button allows the user torestart the flare if it is not running, and will open a confirmationpopup window when clicked. Please note that the flare should not berestarted remotely unless the user is certain that a remote restart isabsolutely needed and that there are no safety or environmental hazardsin doing so. Preferably, the flare should not be restarted remotely ifit can be restarted in person by local staff.

Clicking on any of the process bars in the top left panel will open apopup window called Flare Settings, as illustrated in FIG. 8. From thiswindow, alarms can be enabled or disabled and the user can configuresetpoint values and alarm priorities. At the top of the window thecurrent runtime of each blower is listed. The configuration options aresplit between two pages which can be navigated by swiping across thewindow, or by clicking the page dots at the bottom of the window. Toclose the popup, click the X button in the top right corner.

Leachate Pumps—Electric.

An illustrative embodiment of a Leachate Pump—Electric Screen for thepresently disclosed system and method is shown in FIG. 9. In addition togeneral screen panel functionality described above common to the“Leachate Pump—Electric” screen, the following summarizes the uniquefeatures of this screen.

In the Top Left Panel, the running indicator uses both text and color todepict if the electric leachate pump is running: green if running andred if not running. The background color of each process bar signifiesthe alarm status of the value. The normal operating range between thehigh and low levels remains grey regardless of alarm state. When thevalue is within the normal operating range, the outer ranges are coloredlight grey. When the value exceeds the compliance level, the compliancerange turns yellow. When the value exceeds the high-high level, theupper range turns red. The lower range turns red when the value dropsbelow the low level, unless the pump is not running, in which case thecolor will not change and no alarms will be triggered. Additionally, thepump on and pump off setpoints are displayed on the level process bar asa smaller green bar and dark grey bar respectively. The Alarm Resetbutton allows the user to reset the alarms for the leachate pump, andwill open a confirmation popup window when clicked. Please note thatthere are some alarms that require a local reset button to be pressedand cannot be reset via the Ignition SCADA system.

An illustrative embodiment of a Pump Station Settings Popup Window forthe presently disclosed system and method is shown in FIG. 10. Clickingon any of the process bars will open the popup window for Pump StationSettings. From this window alarms can be enabled or disabled and theuser can configure setpoint values and alarm priorities. At the top ofthe window a dropdown list can be used to select another pump station toconfigure. This value will default to whichever pump station page iscurrently open. The Remote Interlock button shuts down the pump, createsan alarm, and prevents restart of the pump from the Ignition SCADAsystem. To disable the remote interlock, the pump must be restartedlocally at the site. The configuration options are split between twopages which can be navigated by swiping across the window, or byclicking the page dots at the bottom of the window. To close the popup,click the X button in the top right corner.

An illustrative embodiment of a Building Information Popup Window forthe presently disclosed system and method is shown in FIG. 11. Clickingthe Building Information button on the pump station asset screen willopen the popup window. From this window, alarms for building temperatureand gas levels can be enabled or disabled and the user can configuresetpoint values and alarm priorities. At the top of the window adropdown list is used to select another pump station to configure. Inthe middle of the window there are two process bars depicting thetemperature and methane concentration inside the building. These processbars act the same as the process bars on the pump page.

An illustrative embodiment of a Runtime Information Popup Window for thepresently disclosed system and method is shown in FIG. 12. Clicking theRuntime button on the pump station asset screen will open the popupwindow called Runtime Information. This window displays the runtime ofthe current pump and the number of pump starts since the values werelast reset. At the top of the window a dropdown list is used to selectwhich pump station you wish to view. Both counters can be reset byclicking the respective Reset buttons, which will open a confirmationpopup window when clicked.

Leachate Pumps—Pneumatic Screen.

An illustrative embodiment of a Leachate Pump—Pneumatic screen for thepresently disclosed system and method is shown in FIG. 13. In additionto the general screen panel functionality common to the LeachatePump—Pneumatic screens, the following summarizes the unique features ofthese screens.

In the Top Left Panel, the background color of each horizontal processbar signifies the alarm state of the value. The normal operating rangebetween the high and low levels remains grey regardless of alarm state.When the value is within the normal operating range, the outer rangesare colored light grey. When the value exceeds the compliance level, thecompliance range turns yellow. When the value exceeds the high-highlevel, the upper range turns red.

An illustrative embodiment of a Pump Station Settings Popup Window forthe presently disclosed system and method is shown in FIG. 14. Clickingon any of the process bars will open the popup window called PumpStation Settings. From this window, alarms can be enabled or disabledand the user can configure setpoint values and alarm priorities. At thetop of the window a dropdown list is used to select a leachate pump toconfigure. To close the popup, click the X button in the top rightcorner.

Condensate Sumps.

An illustrative embodiment of a Condensate Sump Screen for the presentlydisclosed system and method is shown in FIG. 15. In addition to thegeneral screen panel functionality describe above common to theCondensate Sumps screens, the following summarizes the unique featuresof this screen.

In the Top Left Panel, the background color of each horizontal processbar signifies the alarm state of the value. The normal operating rangebetween the high and low levels remains grey regardless of alarm state.When the value is within the normal operating range, the outer rangesare colored light grey. When the value exceeds the compliance level, thecompliance range turns yellow. When the value exceeds the high-highlevel, the upper range turns red.

An illustrative embodiment of a Pump Station Settings Popup Window forthe presently disclosed system and method is shown in FIG. 16. Clickingon the Level process bar will open the popup window called Pump StationSettings. From this window, alarms can be enabled or disabled and theuser can configure setpoint values and alarm priorities. At the top ofthe window a dropdown list is used to select a condensate sump toconfigure. To close the popup, click the X button in the top rightcorner.

An illustrative embodiment of a Flare Settings Popup Window for thepresently disclosed system and method is shown in FIG. 17. Clicking onany of the other process bars will open the popup window called FlareSettings. From this window, flare alarms can be enabled or disabled andthe user can configure setpoint values and alarm priorities. At the topof the window the current runtime of each blower is listed. Theconfiguration options are split between two pages which can be navigatedby swiping across the window, or by clicking the page dots at the bottomof the window. To close the popup, click the X button in the top rightcorner.

Leachate Tank Farm—Tank Farm Flows.

An illustrative embodiment of a Tank Farm Flows Screen for the presentlydisclosed system and method is shown in FIG. 18. The Tank Farm Flowsscreen is comprised of four main panels that provide an overview ofliquid influent and effluent flows to the Tank Farm. The panels functionas follows:

(i) Left Panel—Provides real-time data for the influent flow in the formof process bars and daily influent flow totals in the form of a barchart. The background color of each bar signifies the alarm state of theflow path. The normal operating range between the high and low levelsremains grey regardless of alarm state. When the value is within thenormal operating range, the outer ranges are colored light grey. Whenthe value exceeds the high level, the upper range turns red. The barchart shows the totaled daily flow totals for all flow paths for thepast ten days. Each bar is colored green with the date displayed on theleft. See FIGS. 19 and 20 for popup windows made available byhovering/clicking on each of the process bars.

(ii) Middle Top Panel—Provides real-time data for the effluent flow inthe form of process bars and daily effluent flow totals in the form of abar chart. This panel has the same functionality as the Left Panel.Clicking on the Truck Effluent Flow process bar will open theInfluent/Effluent Flow Settings popup window mentioned in the previousparagraph. See FIG. 21 for popup windows made available by clicking theEffluent Flow process bar.

(iii) Middle Bottom Panel—Provides the daily net flow totals for thepast ten days in the form of a bar chart. Each bar is colored green withthe date displayed on the left.

(iv) Right Panel—Contains time-series charts with trending data. Boththe “Flow” and “Tank Levels” charts contain multiple data sets that canbe toggled by clicking the color circle icons in the legend above eachchart. To change the amount of time being shown for every chart, clickon the time options at the bottom of the page. The time scale of eachchart can be individually managed by clicking and dragging thedata-series or by using the mouse scroll wheel, and can be reset byclicking the icon that appears in the top right corner of the chart.Hovering the mouse over a chart will create a small popup containing thevalue and timestamp of that data point. This can be toggled on or offvia the “Trace” option at the bottom of the page. The toggle switch atthe bottom of the page is used to change between “Real-time” and“Historical” trends. The “Real-time” trend mode displays data going backin time a set amount from the most recently gathered data, and updatesas new data is collected. The “Historical” trend mode displays the datagathered between two specified points in time, and will not be updatedwith any new information that is recorded. In “Historical” mode,clicking the “Start” or “End” fields will open a date selector allowingthe selection of a date and time to bind the search query.

Clicking on any of the first four process bars will open a popup windowcalled Influent Flow Settings, see FIG. 19. From this window, alarms canbe enabled or disabled and the user can configure setpoint values andalarm priorities. At the top of the window a dropdown list is used toselect which flow path to configure. Below the configuration menus, abar chart is used to show the flow totals for the past ten days for theflow path selected. This bar chart has the same functionality as the barcharts on the Tank Farm page. To close the popup, click the X button inthe top right corner.

Clicking on the Total Influent Flow process bar will open a popup windowcalled Influent/Effluent Flow Settings, see FIG. 20. From this window,alarms can be enabled or disabled and the user can configure setpointvalues and alarm priorities. At the top of the window a dropdown list isused to select either the influent or effluent flow settings toconfigure. To close the popup, click the X button in the top rightcorner.

Clicking on the Effluent Flow process bar will open a popup windowcalled Influent/Effluent Flow Settings, see FIG. 21. From this window,alarms can be enabled or disabled and the user can configure setpointvalues and alarm priorities. At the top of the window a dropdown list isused to select either the influent or effluent flow settings toconfigure. To close the popup, click the X button in the top rightcorner.

Leachate Tank Farm—Liquid Levels.

An illustrative embodiment of a Tank Farm Levels Screen for thepresently disclosed system and method is shown in FIG. 22. The Tank FarmLevels screen is comprised of three main panels that provide an overviewof liquid levels within specified leachate tanks. The panels function asfollows:

(i) Left and Middle Panels—Provide real-time capacity data for thestorage tank trains (Tank Trains 205 and 500, respectively), and havethe same functionality. At the top of each panel is a label with theestimated total tank train capacity and a process bar showing theestimated filled percentage of the tank train. Below the process bar aretank graphics which include a black line indicator as well as a legendshowing the data values and units. The background color of each tanksignifies the alarm state of the tank. The space above the filled areais colored grey. When the value is within the high and low levels, thefilled area is colored blue. If the value is between the high andhigh-high levels, the filled area is colored yellow. When the valueexceeds the high-high level or is lower than the low level, the filledarea turns red. There are line indicators for the different alarms. LAHHstands for Level Alarm High-High, LAH stands for Level Alarm High, andLAL stands for Level Alarm Low. The raindrop icon represents thelocation of the float switch in the tank, and the chevron or equals signshow the level trend of that tank for the past 24 hours. See FIG. 23 forthe “Level Settings” popup window made available by clicking on each ofthe tank icons.

(ii) Right Panel—Provides time-series charts with trending data. Boththe Flow and Tank Levels charts contain multiple data sets that can betoggled by clicking the color circle icons in the legend above eachchart. To change the amount of time being shown for every chart, clickon the time options at the bottom of the page. The time scale of eachchart can be individually managed by clicking and dragging thedata-series or by using the mouse scroll wheel, and can be reset byclicking the icon that appears in the top right corner of the chart.Hovering the mouse over a chart will create a small popup containing thevalue and timestamp of that data point. This can be toggled on or offvia the Trace option at the bottom of the page. The toggle switch at thebottom of the page can is used to change between Real-time andHistorical trends. The Real-time trend mode displays data going back intime a set amount from the most recently gathered data, and updates asnew data is collected. The Historical trend mode displays the datagathered between two specified points in time, and will not be updatedwith any new information that is recorded. In Historical mode, clickingthe Start or End fields will open a date selector allowing the selectionof a date and time to bind the search query.

Clicking on any of the tank graphics will open a popup window calledLevel Settings, see FIG. 23. From this window, alarms can be enabled ordisabled and the user can configure setpoint values and alarm prioritiesfor all of the tanks. The last two items, Call for Truck, are used toconfigure when the system sends a notification letting the recipientknow that the tank train needs to be emptied. To close the popup, clickthe X button in the top right corner.

Leachate Tank Farm—P&ID

From within the Assets submenu, selecting Leachate Tank Farm will openanother submenu listing each of the screens for the Tank Farm. Anillustrative embodiment of a Tank Farm P&ID Screen for the presentlydisclosed system and method is shown in FIG. 24. The Tank Farm P&IDscreen shows the graphical representation of the Tank Farm system. Theinfluent and effluent flow labels and values are linked to the samecontrols as the Tank Farm Flows screen described above. Clicking on anyof the four influent flow labels opens the Influent Flow Settings popupwindow described above. Clicking on either the Total Influent Flow orthe Truck Effluent Flow labels opens the Influent/Effluent Flow Settingspopup window described above.

Daily Net Flow Totals bar chart described above is in the top rightcorner of this screen as well. The tanks in the middle of the screenrepresent the same data as the tanks on the Tank Farm Levels screendescribed above. Clicking on any of the tanks opens the Level Settingspopup window described above. Tanks T-201 and T-501 are representativeof all other gravity-fed tanks in their respective tank train. Thearrows on the pipes indicate the flow direction through the pipe.

An illustrative embodiment of a Tank Farm Valve Settings Popup Windowfor the presently disclosed system and method is shown in FIG. 25.Clicking on any of the valve graphics will open the popup window calledTank Farm Valve Settings. This window is used to configure thedestination of each stream. To close the popup, click the X button inthe top right corner. It is not recommended to change the valve settingsremotely as there are manual valves that need to be adjusted inconjunction with the automatic valves.

Air Compressor

An illustrative embodiment of an Air Compressor Screen for the presentlydisclosed system and method is shown in FIG. 26. The Air Compressorscreen includes three main panels. Please see above for general screenpanel functionality common to the Air Compressor screen. The followingsummarizes the unique features of this screen.

(i) Top Left Panel—Provides an indicator of the running status of theair compressor and real-time data from the compressor in the form ofprocess bars. The running indicator uses both text and color to depictif the compressor is running: green if running and red if not running.The process bars each include a black line indicator as well as a labelshowing the data value and unit. The bar background color signifies thealarm state of the compressor. The normal operating range between thehigh and low levels remains grey regardless of alarm state. When thevalue is within the normal operating range, the outer ranges are coloredlight grey. When the value exceeds the high level, the upper range turnsred. The lower range turns red when the value drops below the low level.See FIG. 27 for the Air Compressor Settings popup window made availableby clicking on each of the process bars.

(ii) Bottom Left Panel—Displays maintenance information for the aircompressor. The counters are not able to be reset through the IgnitionSCADA system. Clicking on the “Troubleshooting Information” button willopen a popup window called “Air Compressor Troubleshooting Codes” whichcontains a PDF document of the troubleshooting section of the aircompressor user manual, see FIG. 28. This will allow the user toreference detailed information and next steps to resolve the alarm code,which will appear in the specific air compressor alarms page accessibleby clicking the alarm icon in the page header bar. To close the popup,click the X button in the top right corner.

An illustrative embodiment of a Air Compressor Settings Popup Window forthe presently disclosed system and method is shown in FIG. 27. Clickingon any of the process bars will open the popup window called AirCompressor Settings. From this window, alarms can be enabled or disabledand the user can configure setpoint values and alarm priorities. Toclose the popup, click the X button in the top right corner.

Trends

An illustrative embodiment of a Trends Screen for the presentlydisclosed system and method is shown in FIG. 29. The Trends screen showsreal-time and historical trends for the tags in the system in the formof a time-series chart.

On the left side of the screen is a file selection pane where one ormore tags can be selected to view on the chart. To select more than onetag, hold the Ctrl key while clicking the desired tags. Folders can bedrilled into by clicking the small arrows next to the folder name. Toadd the selected tags to the chart, click on the Add Tags button at thebottom of the selection pane. At the top of the file selection pane, thecircular arrow icon is used to refresh the file list and close all openfolders.

The Realtime and Historical tabs are used to select between real-timeand historical tags. The data is displayed on a chart in the middle ofthe screen. When using Historical mode, two date and time selectors willappear above the chart allowing the user to specify the start and enddates of the data set.

Below the chart are two tabs titled Pens and Axes. The Pens tab allowsthe user to configure the appearance of the data sets on the table,while the Axes tab allows the user to configure the appearance of thechart's axes.

The screen header contains a number of options to use to format thechart which can be selected by clicking on their respective icons.Hovering over these icons creates a small popup window containing thename of the tool. Split Plots creates a separate plot for every selectedtag. The Combine Axes option creates a shared Y-axis for every tag. Thiscannot be used with the Split Plots option. The X-trace option creates asmall popup containing the tag values and timestamp of that data pointwhen hovering the mouse cursor over the chart. The play icon enablesReal-time Mode which displays data for the selected tags over the lastspecified amount of time, defaulting to 5 minutes, and updates inreal-time. In this mode, the Start Date and End Date options arereplaced by a numeric text field and a dropdown list containing theavailable units of time. The Step Back, Step Forward, and Step to Endoptions are used to navigate the chart along the time axis. Theseoptions do not work when the Real-Time Mode option is selected. The Saveicon at the right side of the header is used to save the chart's data asan XML file, which can be viewed in Excel.

Data Query

An illustrative embodiment of a Data Query Screen for the presentlydisclosed system and method is shown in FIG. 30. The Data Query page isnearly identical to the Trends page, but instead of displaying the dataas a time-series chart, it displays the data in a table. The tablecolumns are populated by the tags that have been selected, while therows are the timestamps for each data point. To change the time-frame ofthe date, use the two date and time selectors above the table.

The table can be saved on the server as a CSV file by clicking the“Export Data” button in the top right corner of the screen. This filecan be viewed using Excel.

Alarms

An illustrative embodiment of an Alarms Screen for the presentlydisclosed system and method is shown in FIG. 31. Selecting the Alarmsbutton on the side navigation bar opens the Alarms screen which displaysthe current alarms in a table. At the top of the table, toggle switchesare used to filter the shown alarms by their source path. Below thetoggle switches are two tabs to switch between showing either the activeor shelved alarm tables. To the right of the tabs are two icons thatallow to fine-tuned control over the table's contents. The gear icon isused to configure which data columns are displayed on the table.Clicking on the filter icon creates a search bar below the icons whichallows for filtering table contents by specific keywords. The dropdownlist to the left of the text field is used to limit the results tospecific alarm states. The contents of the table can be sorted byclicking on the column titles to sort top to bottom or bottom to top.Data can be only be sorted by one column at a time. The color of eachalarm represents its current state. Red signifies that the alarm isactive and unacknowledged, while the vibrancy of the red represents thepriority: deep red for high priority and light red for low priority.Blue alarms signify that the alarm is cleared and unacknowledged, andonce again the vibrancy signifies the priority of the alarm, with a morevibrant blue representing a higher priority. Alarms may be acknowledgedor shelved for a set period of time by selecting the alarm's check boxand using the controls that pop-up at the bottom of the screen.

An illustrative embodiment of an Alarm Detail Popup Window for thepresently disclosed system and method is shown in FIG. 32. Hovering themouse over an alarm reveals a grey tag icon at the right end of thealarm row. Clicking on this icon opens the Alarm Details popup windowwhich provides specific details about the alarm split between twocategories, Config. Properties and On Active. Both categories can beminimized or expanded. The information displayed on this window cannotbe modified.

Weather

An illustrative embodiment of a Weather Screen for the presentlydisclosed system and method is provided herein. Clicking on a Weatherbutton on the side navigation bar will open a new browser tabredirecting to a weather website which has been preconfigured to loadshowing wind patterns for the location of the facility. The site canhave many different options to view different weather patterns andoverlays. Returning to the Ignition page tab, the weather screen candisplay text letting the user know that the weather website has openedon a different tab.

Dashboards

From the main menu, clicking the Dashboards button will open a submenucontaining the five available dashboards including Flow Overview, PumpsOverview, Alarm Analysis, Level Analysis, and Comms Overview.

Flow Overview.

An illustrative embodiment of a Tanks Farm Flows Overview Screen for thepresently disclosed system and method is shown in FIG. 33. FIG. 33presents the Flow Overview Screen titled Tank Farm Flows that includesfour main panels. The following summarizes the features of this screen.

(i) Left Panel—Influent Flow provides real-time data for the influentflow in the form of process bars and daily influent flow totals in theform of a bar chart. The process bars each include a black lineindicator as well as a label showing the data value and unit. Thebackground color of each bar signifies the alarm state of that flowpath. The normal operating range between the high and low levels remainsgrey regardless of alarm state. When the value is within the normaloperating range, the outer ranges are colored light grey. When the valueexceeds the high level, the upper range turns red. The bar chart showsthe totaled daily flow totals for all flow paths for the past ten days.Each bar is colored green with the date displayed to the left. Hoveringthe mouse over a bar or tapping on a mobile device will create a smallpopup containing the data value. This popup will disappear when themouse is moved off the bar or the screen is tapped elsewhere. See FIG.19-20, and related popup descriptions, for popup windows made availableby clicking on each of the process bars.

(ii) Middle Top Panel—Effluent Flow provides real-time data for effluentflows in the form of process bars and daily influent flow totals in theform of a bar chart. This panel has the same functionality as the firstpanel. Clicking on the Truck Effluent Flow process bar will open theInfluent/Effluent Flow Settings popup window, see FIG. 21.

(iii) Middle Bottom Panel—Daily Net Flow Totals shows the daily net flowtotals for the past ten days in the form of a bar chart. Each bar iscolored green with the date displayed on to the left. Hovering the mouseover a bar or tapping on a mobile device will create a small popupcontaining the data value. This popup will disappear when the mouse ismoved off the bar or the screen is tapped elsewhere.

(iv) Right Panel—Liquids Storage provides real-time capacity data forthe storage tank trains. The two tank graphics each represent an entiretank train and include a black line capacity indicator. There is also anindicator depicting which stream is the input source for that tank trainand a legend showing the data values and units. The chevron icons showthe capacity trend of that tank train for the past hour. See FIG. 23,and related popup description, for the Level Settings popup window madeavailable by clicking on each of the tank icons.

Pumps Overview

An illustrative embodiment of a Pumps Overview Screen for the presentlydisclosed system and method is shown in FIG. 34. From the Dashboardssubmenu, the Flow Overview screen displays information about theelectric and pneumatic pumps. The screen is divided between two mainpanels with similar functionality, as both contain a bar chart and atime-series chart. The time-scale for the charts in both panels can beadjusted using the Start and End date and time selectors in thetop-right corner of the screen.

The top panel provides level analysis of the pumps. The bar chart showsthe level of each pump at the start and end times selected. The bottompanel shows data for the flow, motor current, volume, runtime, and thenumber or starts or pump cycles for each pump as a bar chart. Pleasenote that this screen will only show data for one pump at a time onmobile. The selected pump can be changed via a dropdown menu or byswiping side-to-side.

An illustrative embodiment of a Pumps Overview Trends Graphs screen forthe presently disclosed system and method is shown in FIG. 35. Clickingon the Level Trends button in the top panel switches the panel from abar chart to a time-series chart showing the level of all of the pumpsover the time-frame selected.

Clicking the Flow Trends button in the bottom panel switches from thebar chart to a time-series chart showing the flow rate of all of theelectric pumps over the time-frame selected (there is no flow data forthe pneumatic pumps).

The charts in both panels function identically. To toggle the visibilityof the pens of the different pumps, click on the colored circle iconnext to the pump name in the legend on the right side of the chart.Hovering the mouse cursor over a dataset creates a grey line on thechart and small popup containing the timestamp and the data of allvisible pumps at that time. The time scale of each chart can beindividually managed by clicking and dragging the data-series or byusing the mouse scroll wheel, and can be reset by clicking the icon thatappears in the top right corner of the chart. To switch either panelback to the bar chart, click the Analysis button on the right side ofeach respective panel.

Alarm Analysis

An illustrative embodiment of an Alarm Analysis Screen for the presentlydisclosed system and method is shown in FIG. 36. From the Dashboardssubmenu, the Alarm Analysis screen shows aggregated details about alarmstriggered during a specific time-frame.

At the top of the screen there are two date and time selectors used toselect the start and end times of the time-frame to analyze. Next to theselectors, dropdown lists are used to filter alarm results by priority,asset group, or by a specific asset. A numeric text field is used tospecify the total number of alarm results to analyze. This number willonly affect the results if there are more alarms in the selectedtime-frame than the specified number limit. To apply the selectedfilters, click the refresh arrow to the right of the numeric text field.The results are split into five panels which display the data indifferent formats.

(i) Top Left Panel—Provides the Alarm Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)in a table, including but not limited to total alarms, total duration inan alarm state, and average time to acknowledge and clear.

(ii) Top Right Panel—Provides a time-series chart of the number ofalarms per hour and the duration they lasted. Hovering the mouse cursorover or tapping on the chart creates guiding lines and labels showingthe data values at that place in the chart.

(iii) Middle Left and Right Panels—Contain pie charts showing alarmfrequency and duration percentages. Hovering the mouse cursor over ortapping the panels of these charts opens a small popup window displayingthe name and percentage of the alarm.

(iv) Bottom Panel—Provides a table showing a summary of the alarms bypriority. The table can be sorted by clicking on the column headings.Only one column can be used to sort at a time.

Level Analysis

An illustrative embodiment of a Level Alarm Analysis Screen for thepresently disclosed system and method is shown in FIG. 37. From theDashboards submenu, the Level Analysis screen shows aggregated detailsabout the level alarms triggered during a specific time-frame.

At the top of the screen there are two date and time selectors used toselect the start and end times of the time-frame to analyze. Next to theselectors, dropdown lists are used to filter level alarm results byfrequency or duration, priority, asset group, or by a specific asset. Anumeric text field is used to specify the total number of level alarmresults to analyze. This number will only affect the results if thereare more level alarms in the selected time-frame than the specifiednumber limit. To apply the selected filters, click the refresh arrow tothe right of the numeric text field. The results are split into fivepanels which display the data in different formats.

(i) Top Left Panel—Provides displays the Level Alarm KPIs in a table,including but not limited to total alarms, total duration in an alarmstate, and average time to acknowledge and clear.

(ii) Top Right Panel—Provides a time-series chart of the number of levelalarms per hour and the duration they lasted. Hovering the mouse cursorover or tapping on the chart creates guiding lines and labels showingthe data values at that place in the chart.

(iii) Middle Left and Right Panels—Contain pie charts showing levelalarm frequency and duration percentages, respectively. Hovering themouse cursor over or tapping the panels of these charts opens a smallpopup window displaying the name and percentage of the alarm.

(iv) Bottom Panel—Provides a table showing a summary of the level alarmsby priority. The table can be sorted by clicking on the column headings.Only one column can be used to sort at a time.

Comms Overview

An illustrative embodiment of a Comms Overview Screen for the presentlydisclosed system and method is shown in FIG. 38. From the Dashboardssubmenu, the Comms Overview button displays a screen with a tablelisting the configured devices with columns containing the device name,location, connection type, connection status, uptime, and number ofresets.

The text bar at the top of the screen can be used to filter the devicelist to only show devices containing the filter text in any category(i.e. wireless would show all devices using a wireless connection type).The dropdown menu in the bottom-left corner is used to change the numberof results displayed on each page. If there is more than one page ofresults, the pages can be navigated by clicking on the numbered page doticons on the bottom of the screen.

Reports

An illustrative embodiment of a Reports Screen for the presentlydisclosed system and method is shown in FIG. 39. The Reports Screen onthe side navigation bar allows the user to generate formatted reports.

The first panel of the screen allows the user to select the time-frameof the report using date and time selectors, and the name of the reportusing a dropdown list. Clicking the Apply button generates the report inthe PDF viewer on the right side of the screen. The PDF viewer can beused to preview the report, and pages can be navigated using the arrowsat the bottom of the viewer. The Download panel allows the user to namethe report using the File Name text field, and save the PDF report byclicking the Save button. The E-mail panel allows the report to be sentto an email address. The recipient is selected using the dropdown listof pre-registered accounts. The Subject Line and Message text fields areused to customize the contents of the email. The checkbox below the textfields allows the recipient to be subscribed to receive an emailcontaining a report every week. To send the email, click the Sendbutton.

Maintenance

An illustrative embodiment of a Maintenance Form Screen for thepresently disclosed system and method is shown in FIG. 40. TheMaintenance screen on the side navigation bar is used to createmaintenance reports. The text fields are used to fill out the details ofthe report, while date and time selectors are used to specify when theequipment was offline. When the form has been completed, clicking theSave button will save the report to the server.

Setpoint Screen

An illustrative embodiment of a Setpoint Screen for the presentlydisclosed system and method is shown in FIG. 41. The Setpoint screen isaccessible by clicking on the wrench icon located at the bottom left ofthe side navigation bar.

The Setpoint Screen provides an overview of the available setpoints foreach asset type (i.e. flare, electric pumps, pneumatic pumps, condensatesumps, influent flows, and tank levels) where setpoints can beconfigured in one place. Each setpoint's alarm can be enabled ordisabled using the checkbox, the setpoint value can be changed using thenumeric text field, and the alarm priority can be changed using thedropdown list. The dropdown lists at the top of some panels are used toselect which device of that type to configure.

The presently disclosed system and method have a number of practicalapplications. For example, the system and method allow for intelligentand remote operation and control of specific equipment at the landfillsite. As used in this context, the term “remote” can mean distant from,or not physically present at, the landfill site, or can include:locations that are either on-site or off-site with respect to thelandfill, such as, for example, where the remote location is a locationoutside of the room from, or in a different specific area of the plantfloor from, where the equipment being controlled is located. This givesfrontline operators the ability to analyze changing activities fromanywhere, and enables engineers, technicians and managers to work in along-range capacity and collectively to operate the facility.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a system for remote monitoring andcontrol of flare activity in a landfill facility for disposal of wastematerials is provided herein. The system can include: a memory; adisplay for viewing by a user; a processor coupled to the memoryprogrammed with executable instructions, the instructions including alandfill data interface for obtaining specific real-time data relatingto landfill activity comprising at least one of temperature data, gaspressure data, gas vacuum data, gas flow data, blower motor current,vacuum target setpoint and gas flow target setpoint; a flare controlvalve or blower speed that is connected to a flare gas supply from thelandfill and is operable to regulate the amount of flare gas deliveredto the flare; and a monitoring component for: (a) comparing the obtainedlandfill activity real-time data with pre-stored information from adatabase, and (b) analyzing the difference between the obtained landfillactivity real-time data and the stored information to identify whetherthe landfill activity has surpassed a pre-set threshold value, whereinthe pre-set threshold value is based on one or more of gaspressure/vacuum, gas flow, and flare temperature, and (c) displaying theanalysis results on the display, and (d) automatically sending a controlsignal to the flare control valve or blower speed to increase ordecrease the amount of flare gas provided to the flare based on theresults of the analysis of the landfill activity real-time data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a method for remotely monitoringand controlling flare activity in a landfill facility for disposal ofwaste materials is provided herein. The method can include: (a) causingflare gas from the landfill facility to engage a flare control valve orblower speed that is automatically operable and capable of supplyingflare gas to the flare; (b) obtaining, by at least one reader devicelocated within the landfill facility, specific real-time data relatingto landfill activity comprising at least one of temperature data, gaspressure data, gas vacuum data, gas flow data, blower motor current,vacuum target setpoint and gas flow target setpoint; (c) comparing theobtained landfill activity data with pre-stored information from adatabase; (d) analyzing, by a processor, the difference between theobtained landfill activity real-time data and the pre-stored informationto identify whether the landfill activity has surpassed a pre-setthreshold value, wherein the pre-set threshold value is based on one ormore of gas pressure/vacuum, gas flow, and flare temperature; and (e)automatically operating the flare control valve or blower speed by theprocessor sending a control signal to the flare control valve toincrease or decrease the amount of flare gas supplied to the flare,based on the results of the analysis of the landfill activity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a system for remote monitoring andcontrol of flare activity in a landfill facility for disposal of wastematerials is provided herein. The system can include: a memory; adisplay for viewing by a user; a processor coupled to the memoryprogrammed with executable instructions, the instructions including alandfill interface for obtaining specific real-time data relating tolandfill activity comprising at least one of temperature data, gaspressure data, gas vacuum data, gas flow data, blower motor current,vacuum target setpoint and gas flow target setpoint; a flare controlvalve or blower that is connected to a flare gas supply from thelandfill and is operable to regulate the amount of flare gas deliveredto the flare; and a monitoring component for: (a) comparing the obtainedlandfill activity real-time data with pre-stored information from adatabase, and (b) analyzing the difference between the obtained landfillactivity real-time data and the pre-stored information to identifywhether the landfill activity has surpassed a pre-set threshold value,wherein the pre-set threshold value is based on one or more of gaspressure/vacuum, gas flow, and flare temperature, and (c) displaying theanalysis results as an alarm on the display, and (d) receivinginstructions from the user to send a control signal to the flare controlvalve to increase or decrease the amount of flare gas provided to theflare, based on a determination made by the user after reviewing theresults of the analysis of the landfill activity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a method for remotely monitoringand controlling flare activity in a landfill facility for disposal ofwaste materials is provided herein. The method can include: (a) causingflare gas from the landfill facility to engage a flare control valve orblower speed that is automatically operable and supplies flare gas tothe flare, (b) obtaining, by at least one reader device located withinthe landfill facility, specific real-time data relating to landfillactivity comprising at least one of temperature data, gas pressure data,gas vacuum data, gas flow data, blower motor current, vacuum targetsetpoint and gas flow target setpoint, (c) comparing the obtainedlandfill activity real-time data with pre-stored information from adatabase, (d) analyzing, by a processor, the difference between theobtained landfill activity real-time data and the pre-stored informationto identify whether the landfill activity has surpassed a pre-setthreshold value, wherein the pre-set threshold value is based on one ormore of gas pressure/vacuum, gas flow, and flare temperature, (e)displaying the analysis results as an alarm on a display for a user, and(f) receiving instructions from the user regarding automaticallyoperating the flare control valve, by sending a control signal to theflare control valve to increase or decrease the amount of flare gassupplied to the flare, based on a determination made by the user afterreviewing the results of the analysis of the landfill activity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a system for remote monitoring andcontrol of air compressor activity in a landfill facility for disposalof waste materials is also provided herein, comprising of a memory, adisplay for viewing by a user and a processor coupled to the memoryprogrammed with executable instructions. The instructions including alandfill data interface for obtaining specific real-time data relatingto landfill activity comprising at least one of: storage liquid level,air compressor pressure and air compressor temperature, pump statusdata, pump current data, force main and air supply pressure data. An aircompressor that is connected to control valve is operable to regulatethe amount of liquid within a landfill cell, tank, gas well orlift-station; and a monitoring component for: (a) comparing the obtainedlandfill activity real-time data with pre-stored information from adatabase, and (b) analyzing the difference between the obtained landfillactivity real-time data and the stored information to identify whetherthe landfill activity has surpassed a pre-set threshold value, whereinthe pre-set threshold value is composed of landfill liquid levels,volumes, disposal volume and storage capacity, (c) displaying theanalysis results on the display, and (d) automatically sending a controlsignal to the pumps of control valves to increase or decrease the amountof liquid provided to disposal or storage based on the results of theanalysis of the landfill activity real-time data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a method for remotely monitoringand controlling air compressor activity in a landfill facility fordisposal of waste materials is also provided herein, comprising: (a) anair compressor that is connected to a control valve is operable toregulate the amount of liquid within a landfill cell, tank, gas well orlift-station; obtaining, by at least one reader device located withinthe landfill facility, specific real-time data relating to landfillactivity comprising at least one of storage liquid level, air compressorpressure, air compressor temperature, pump status data, pump currentdata, force main and air supply pressure data; (b) comparing theobtained landfill activity data with pre-stored information from adatabase, (c) analyzing, by a processor, the difference between theobtained landfill activity real-time data and the pre-stored informationto identify whether the landfill activity has surpassed a pre-setthreshold value, wherein the pre-set threshold value is landfill liquidlevels, volumes, disposal volume and storage capacity (d) automaticallyoperating the control valve, by the processor sending a control signalto the pumps to increase or decrease the amount of liquid within alandfill cell, gas wells, tank or lift-station; based on the results ofthe analysis of the landfill activity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a system for remote monitoring andcontrol of air compressor activity in a landfill facility for disposalof waste materials is also provided herein, comprising: a memory; adisplay for viewing by a user; a processor coupled to the memoryprogrammed with executable instructions, the instructions including alandfill interface for obtaining specific real-time data relating tolandfill activity comprising at least one of storage liquid level, aircompressor pressure, air compressor temperature, pump status data, pumpcurrent data, force main and air supply pressure data. An aircompressors that is connected to a control valve is operable to regulatethe amount of liquid within a landfill cell, gas well, tank orlift-station; and a monitoring component for: (a) comparing the obtainedlandfill activity real-time data with pre-stored information from adatabase, and (b) analyzing the difference between the obtained landfillactivity real-time data and the pre-stored information to identifywhether the landfill activity has surpassed a pre-set threshold value,wherein the pre-set threshold value is consistent of landfill liquidlevels, volumes, disposal volume and storage capacity, (c) displayingthe analysis results as an alarm on the display, and (d) receivinginstructions from the user to send a control signal to the control valveor pump to increase or decrease the amount of liquid within a landfillcell, gas well, tank or lift-station, based on a determination made bythe user after reviewing the results of the analysis of the landfillactivity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a method for remotely monitoringand controlling air compressors in a landfill facility for disposal ofwaste materials is also provided herein, comprising: an air compressorthat is connected to control valve is operable to regulate the amount ofliquid within a landfill cell, gas well, tank or lift-station; (a)obtaining, by at least one reader device located within the landfillfacility, specific real-time data relating to landfill activitycomprising at least one of storage liquid level, air compressorpressure, air compressor temperature, pump status data, pump currentdata, force main and air supply pressure data (b) comparing the obtainedlandfill activity real-time data with pre-stored information from adatabase, (c) analyzing, by a processor, the difference between theobtained landfill activity real-time data and the pre-stored informationto identify whether the landfill activity has surpassed a pre-setthreshold value, wherein the pre-set threshold value is consistent oflandfill liquid levels, volumes, disposal volume and storage capacity,(d) displaying the analysis results as an alarm on a display for a user,and (e) receiving instructions from the user regarding automaticallyoperating the control valve by sending a control signal to the flarecontrol valve to increase or decrease the amount of liquid within alandfill cell, gas wells, tank or lift-station, based on a determinationmade by the user after reviewing the results of the analysis of thelandfill activity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a system for remote monitoring andcontrol of liquid storage tanks activity in a landfill facility fordisposal of waste materials is also provided herein, comprising: amemory, a display for viewing by a user, and a processor coupled to thememory programmed with executable instructions. The instructionsincluding a landfill data interface for obtaining specific real-timedata relating to landfill activity comprising at least one of liquidlevel, liquid flow, liquid volume, pump status data, pump current data,pump setpoints, force main and air supply pressure data. A liquidstorage tank that is connected to a landfill pump station, gas well orlift station is operable to regulate the amount of liquid within alandfill cell, tank, gas well or lift-station; and a monitoringcomponent for: (a) comparing the obtained landfill activity real-timedata with pre-stored information from a database, and (b) analyzing thedifference between the obtained landfill activity real-time data and thestored information to identify whether the landfill activity hassurpassed a pre-set threshold value, wherein the pre-set threshold valueis consistent of landfill liquid levels, volumes, disposal volume andstorage capacity, (c) displaying the analysis results on the display,and (d) automatically sending a control signal to the storage level orpumps to increase or decrease the amount of liquid provided to disposalor storage based on the results of the analysis of the landfill activityreal-time data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a method for remotely monitoringand controlling liquid storage tanks activity in a landfill facility fordisposal of waste materials is also provided herein, comprising: (a) astorage tank level or pumps that is connected to a landfill pumpstation, gas well or lift station is operable to regulate the amount ofliquid within a landfill cell, tank, gas well or lift-station;obtaining, by at least one reader device located within the landfillfacility, specific real-time data relating to landfill activitycomprising at least one of liquid level, liquid flow, liquid volume,pump status data, pump current data, pump setpoints, force main and airsupply pressure data; (b) comparing the obtained landfill activity datawith pre-stored information from a database (c) analyzing, by aprocessor, the difference between the obtained landfill activityreal-time data and the pre-stored information to identify whether thelandfill activity has surpassed a pre-set threshold value, wherein thepre-set threshold value is consistent of landfill liquid levels,volumes, disposal volume and storage capacity, (d) automaticallyoperating the storage tank level or pumps, by the processor sending acontrol signal to the pumps to increase or decrease the amount of liquidwithin a landfill cell, gas wells, tank or lift-station; based on theresults of the analysis of the landfill activity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a system for remote monitoring andcontrol of storage tanks activity in a landfill facility for disposal ofwaste materials is also provided herein, comprising of a memory, adisplay for viewing by a user and a processor coupled to the memoryprogrammed with executable instructions. The instructions including alandfill interface for obtaining specific real-time data relating tolandfill activity comprising at least one of liquid level, liquid flow,liquid volume, pump status data, pump current data, pump setpoints,force main and air supply pressure data. A storage tank level or pumpthat is connected to a landfill pump station, gas well or lift stationis operable to regulate the amount of liquid within a landfill cell, gaswell, tank or lift-station, a monitoring component for: (a) comparingthe obtained landfill activity real-time data with pre-storedinformation from a database, and (b) analyzing the difference betweenthe obtained landfill activity real-time data and the pre-storedinformation to identify whether the landfill activity has surpassed apre-set threshold value, wherein the pre-set threshold value isconsistent of landfill liquid levels, volumes, disposal volume andstorage capacity, (c) displaying the analysis results as an alarm on thedisplay, and (d) receiving instructions from the user to send a controlsignal to the storage tank level or pump to increase or decrease theamount of liquid within a landfill cell, gas well, tank or lift-station,based on a determination made by the user after reviewing the results ofthe analysis of the landfill activity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a method for remotely monitoringand controlling storage tanks in a landfill facility for disposal ofwaste materials is also provided herein, comprising: (a) a storage tanklevel or pump that is connected to a landfill pump station, gas well orlift station is operable to regulate the amount of liquid within alandfill cell, gas well, tank or lift-station; (b) obtaining, by atleast one reader device located within the landfill facility, specificreal-time data relating to landfill activity comprising at least one ofliquid level, liquid flow, liquid volume, pump status data, pump currentdata, pump setpoints, force main and air supply pressure data; (c)comparing the obtained landfill activity real-time data with pre-storedinformation from a database, (d) analyzing, by a processor, thedifference between the obtained landfill activity real-time data and thepre-stored information to identify whether the landfill activity hassurpassed a pre-set threshold value, wherein the pre-set threshold valueis consistent of landfill liquid levels, volumes, disposal volume andstorage capacity; (e) displaying the analysis results as an alarm on adisplay for a user, and (f) receiving instructions from the userregarding automatically operating the storage tank level or pump bysending a control signal to the flare control valve to increase ordecrease the amount of liquid within a landfill cell, gas wells, tank orlift-station, based on a determination made by the user after reviewingthe results of the analysis of the landfill activity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a system for remote monitoring andcontrol of condensate sumps activity in a landfill facility for disposalof waste materials is also provided herein, comprising of a memory, adisplay for viewing by a user, a processor coupled to the memoryprogrammed with executable instructions. The instructions including alandfill data interface for obtaining specific real-time data relatingto landfill activity comprising at least one of liquid level, liquidflow, liquid volume, pump status data, pump current data, pumpsetpoints, force main and air supply pressure data and pump pulses orstrokes data. A condensate pump that is connected to a landfill sump,gas well or liquid storage tank is operable to regulate the amount ofliquid within a landfill cell, tank, gas well or lift-station and amonitoring component for: (a) comparing the obtained landfill activityreal-time data with pre-stored information from a database, and (b)analyzing the difference between the obtained landfill activityreal-time data and the stored information to identify whether thelandfill activity has surpassed a pre-set threshold value, wherein thepre-set threshold value is consistent of landfill liquid levels, volumesand storage capacity, and (c) displaying the analysis results on thedisplay, and (d) automatically sending a control signal to thecondensate pumps to increase or decrease the amount of liquid providedto disposal or storage based on the results of the analysis of thelandfill activity real-time data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a method for remotely monitoringand controlling condensate pump activity in a landfill facility fordisposal of waste materials is also provided herein, comprising: (a) acondensate pump that is connected to a landfill sump, gas well or liquidstorage tank is operable to regulate the amount of liquid within alandfill cell, tank, gas well or lift-station; obtaining, by at leastone reader device located within the landfill facility, specificreal-time data relating to landfill activity comprising at least one ofliquid level, liquid flow, liquid volume, pump status data, pump currentdata, pump setpoints, force main and air supply pressure data and pumppulses or strokes data; (b) comparing the obtained landfill activitydata with pre-stored information from a database, (c) analyzing, by aprocessor, the difference between the obtained landfill activityreal-time data and the pre-stored information to identify whether thelandfill activity has surpassed a pre-set threshold value, wherein thepre-set threshold value is consistent of landfill liquid levels, volumesand storage capacity, (d) automatically operating the condensate pumps,by the processor sending a control signal to the pumps to increase ordecrease the amount of liquid within a landfill cell, gas wells, tank orlift-station; based on the results of the analysis of the landfillactivity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a system for remote monitoring andcontrol of condensate pumps activity in a landfill facility for disposalof waste materials is also provided herein, comprising of a memory, adisplay for viewing by a user, a processor coupled to the memoryprogrammed with executable instructions. The instructions including alandfill interface for obtaining specific real-time data relating tolandfill activity comprising at least one of liquid level, liquid flow,liquid volume, pump status data, pump current data, pump setpoints,force main and air supply pressure data and pump pulses or strokes data.A landfill pump that is connected to a landfill sump, gas well or liquidstorage tank is operable to regulate the amount of liquid within alandfill cell, tank or lift-station; and a monitoring component for: (a)comparing the obtained landfill activity real-time data with pre-storedinformation from a database, and (b) analyzing the difference betweenthe obtained landfill activity real-time data and the pre-storedinformation to identify whether the landfill activity has surpassed apre-set threshold value, wherein the pre-set threshold value isconsistent of landfill liquid levels, volumes and storage capacity. (c)displaying the analysis results as an alarm on the display, and (d)receiving instructions from the user to send a control signal to thelandfill pumps to increase or decrease the amount of liquid within alandfill cell, tank or lift-station, based on a determination made bythe user after reviewing the results of the analysis of the landfillactivity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a method for remotely monitoringand controlling condensate pumps in a landfill facility for disposal ofwaste materials is also provided herein, comprising of a condensate pumpthat is connected to a landfill sump, gas well or liquid storage tank isoperable to regulate the amount of liquid within a landfill cell, tankor lift-station; (a) obtaining, by at least one reader device locatedwithin the landfill facility, specific real-time data relating tolandfill activity comprising at least one of liquid level, liquid flow,liquid volume, pump status data, pump current data, pump setpoints,force main pressure data and pump runtime data; (b) comparing theobtained landfill activity real-time data with pre-stored informationfrom a database, (c) analyzing, by a processor, the difference betweenthe obtained landfill activity real-time data and the pre-storedinformation to identify whether the landfill activity has surpassed apre-set threshold value, wherein the pre-set threshold value isconsistent of landfill liquid levels, volumes and storage capacity, (d)displaying the analysis results as an alarm on a display for a user, and(e) receiving instructions from the user regarding automaticallyoperating the condensate pumps by sending a control signal to the flarecontrol valve to increase or decrease the amount of liquid within alandfill cell, gas wells, tank or lift-station, based on a determinationmade by the user after reviewing the results of the analysis of thelandfill activity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a system for remote monitoring andcontrol of pump station activity in a landfill facility for disposal ofwaste materials is also provided herein, comprising of a memory, adisplay for viewing by a user, a processor coupled to the memoryprogrammed with executable instructions. The instructions including alandfill data interface for obtaining specific real-time data relatingto landfill activity comprising at least one of liquid level, liquidflow, liquid volume, pump status data, pump current data, pumpsetpoints, force main and air supply pressure data and pump pulses orstrokes data. A landfill pump that is connected to a landfill sump, gaswell or liquid storage tank is operable to regulate the amount of liquidwithin a landfill cell, tank, gas well or lift-station; and a monitoringcomponent for: (a) comparing the obtained landfill activity real-timedata with pre-stored information from a database, and (b) analyzing thedifference between the obtained landfill activity real-time data and thestored information to identify whether the landfill activity hassurpassed a pre-set threshold value, wherein the pre-set threshold valueis consistent of landfill liquid levels, volumes and storage capacity,(c) displaying the analysis results on the display, and (d)automatically sending a control signal to the landfill pumps to increaseor decrease the amount of liquid provided to disposal or storage basedon the results of the analysis of the landfill activity real-time data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a method for remotely monitoringand controlling liquid pump stations activity in a landfill facility fordisposal of waste materials is also provided herein, comprising of: (a)a landfill pump that is connected to a landfill sump, gas well or liquidstorage tank is operable to regulate the amount of liquid within alandfill cell, tank, gas well or lift-station; obtaining, by at leastone reader device located within the landfill facility, specificreal-time data relating to landfill activity comprising at least one ofliquid level, liquid flow, liquid volume, pump status data, pump currentdata, pump setpoints, force main and air supply pressure data and pumppulses or strokes data; (b) comparing the obtained landfill activitydata with pre-stored information from a database, (c) analyzing, by aprocessor, the difference between the obtained landfill activityreal-time data and the pre-stored information to identify whether thelandfill activity has surpassed a pre-set threshold value, wherein thepre-set threshold value is consistent of landfill liquid levels, volumesand storage capacity, (d) automatically operating the landfill pumps, bythe processor sending a control signal to the pumps to increase ordecrease the amount of liquid within a landfill cell, gas wells, tank orlift-station; based on the results of the analysis of the landfillactivity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a system for remote monitoring andcontrol of liquid pump stations activity in a landfill facility fordisposal of waste materials is also provided herein, comprising of amemory, a display for viewing by a user and a processor coupled to thememory programmed with executable instructions. The instructionsincluding a landfill interface for obtaining specific real-time datarelating to landfill activity comprising at least one of liquid level,liquid flow, liquid volume, pump status data, pump current data, pumpsetpoints, force main and air supply pressure data and pump pulses orstrokes data. A landfill pump that is connected to a landfill sump, gaswell or liquid storage tank is operable to regulate the amount of liquidwithin a landfill cell, tank or lift-station; and a monitoring componentfor: (a) comparing the obtained landfill activity real-time data withpre-stored information from a database, and (b) analyzing the differencebetween the obtained landfill activity real-time data and the pre-storedinformation to identify whether the landfill activity has surpassed apre-set threshold value, wherein the pre-set threshold value isconsistent of landfill liquid levels, volumes and storage capacity, (c)displaying the analysis results as an alarm on the display, and (d)receiving instructions from the user to send a control signal to thelandfill pumps to increase or decrease the amount of liquid within alandfill cell, tank or lift-station, based on a determination made bythe user after reviewing the results of the analysis of the landfillactivity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a method for remotely monitoringand controlling liquid pump stations in a landfill facility for disposalof waste materials is also provided herein, comprising of a landfillpump that is connected to a landfill sump, gas well or liquid storagetank is operable to regulate the amount of liquid within a landfillcell, tank or lift-station; (a) obtaining, by at least one reader devicelocated within the landfill facility, specific real-time data relatingto landfill activity comprising at least one of liquid level, liquidflow, liquid volume, pump status data, pump current data, pumpsetpoints, force main pressure data and pump runtime; (b) comparing theobtained landfill activity real-time data with pre-stored informationfrom a database, (c) analyzing, by a processor, the difference betweenthe obtained landfill activity real-time data and the pre-storedinformation to identify whether the landfill activity has surpassed apre-set threshold value, wherein the pre-set threshold value isconsistent of landfill liquid levels, volumes and storage capacity, (d)displaying the analysis results as an alarm on a display for a user, and(e) receiving instructions from the user regarding automaticallyoperating the landfill pumps by sending a control signal to the flarecontrol valve to increase or decrease the amount of liquid within alandfill cell, gas wells, tank or lift-station, based on a determinationmade by the user after reviewing the results of the analysis of thelandfill activity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a system for remote monitoring andcontrol of pump station activity in a landfill facility for disposal ofwaste materials is also provided herein, comprising of a memory, adisplay for viewing by a user, a processor coupled to the memoryprogrammed with executable instructions. The instructions including alandfill data interface for obtaining specific real-time data relatingto landfill activity comprising at least one of liquid level, liquidflow, liquid volume, pump status data, pump current data, pumpsetpoints, force main pressure data and pump runtime data. A landfillpump that is connected to a landfill sump or liquid storage tank isoperable to regulate the amount of liquid within a landfill cell, tankor lift-station; and a monitoring component for: (a) comparing theobtained landfill activity real-time data with pre-stored informationfrom a database, and (b) analyzing the difference between the obtainedlandfill activity real-time data and the stored information to identifywhether the landfill activity has surpassed a pre-set threshold value,wherein the pre-set threshold value is consistent of landfill liquidlevels, volumes and storage capacity, (c) displaying the analysisresults on the display, and (d) automatically sending a control signalto the landfill pumps to increase or decrease the amount of liquidprovided to disposal or storage based on the results of the analysis ofthe landfill activity real-time data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a method for remotely monitoringand controlling liquid pump stations activity in a landfill facility fordisposal of waste materials is also provided herein, comprising: (a) alandfill pump that is connected to a landfill sump or liquid storagetank is operable to regulate the amount of liquid within a landfillcell, tank or lift-station; (b) obtaining, by at least one reader devicelocated within the landfill facility, specific real-time data relatingto landfill activity comprising at least one of liquid level, liquidflow, liquid volume, pump status data, pump current data, pumpsetpoints, force main pressure data and pump runtime data, (c) comparingthe obtained landfill activity data with pre-stored information from adatabase, (d) analyzing, by a processor, the difference between theobtained landfill activity real-time data and the pre-stored informationto identify whether the landfill activity has surpassed a pre-setthreshold value, wherein the pre-set threshold value is consistent oflandfill liquid levels, volumes and storage capacity, (e) automaticallyoperating the landfill pumps, by the processor sending a control signalto the pumps to increase or decrease the amount of liquid within alandfill cell, tank or lift-station; based on the results of theanalysis of the landfill activity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a system for remote monitoring andcontrol of liquid pump stations activity in a landfill facility fordisposal of waste materials is also provided herein, comprising of amemory, a display for viewing by a user and a processor coupled to thememory programmed with executable instructions. The instructionsincluding a landfill interface for obtaining specific real-time datarelating to landfill activity comprising at least one of liquid level,liquid flow, liquid volume, pump status data, pump current data, pumpsetpoints, force main pressure data and pump runtime data, A landfillpump that is connected to a landfill sump or liquid storage tank isoperable to regulate the amount of liquid within a landfill cell, tankor lift-station and a monitoring component for: (a) comparing theobtained landfill activity real-time data with pre-stored informationfrom a database, and (b) analyzing the difference between the obtainedlandfill activity real-time data and the pre-stored information toidentify whether the landfill activity has surpassed a pre-set thresholdvalue, wherein the pre-set threshold value is consistent of landfillliquid levels, volumes and storage capacity, (c) displaying the analysisresults as an alarm on the display, and (d) receiving instructions fromthe user to send a control signal to the landfill pumps to increase ordecrease the amount of liquid within a landfill cell, tank orlift-station, based on a determination made by the user after reviewingthe results of the analysis of the landfill activity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a method for remotely monitoringand controlling liquid pump stations in a landfill facility for disposalof waste materials is also provided herein, comprising of a landfillpump that is connected to a landfill sump or liquid storage tank isoperable to regulate the amount of liquid within a landfill cell, tankor lift-station, which (a) obtaining, by at least one reader devicelocated within the landfill facility, specific real-time data relatingto landfill activity comprising at least one of liquid level, liquidflow, liquid volume, pump status data, pump current data, pumpsetpoints, force main pressure data and pump runtime data, (b) comparingthe obtained landfill activity real-time data with pre-storedinformation from a database, (c) analyzing, by a processor, thedifference between the obtained landfill activity real-time data and thepre-stored information to identify whether the landfill activity hassurpassed a pre-set threshold value, wherein the pre-set threshold valueis consistent of landfill liquid levels, volumes and storage capacity,(d) displaying the analysis results as an alarm on a display for a user,and (e) receiving instructions from the user regarding automaticallyoperating the landfill pumps by sending a control signal to the flarecontrol valve to increase or decrease the amount of liquid within alandfill cell, tank or lift-station, based on a determination made bythe user after reviewing the results of the analysis of the landfillactivity data.

In certain illustrative embodiments, the system and method can collectreal time data relating to multiples of, e.g., at least two of, or atleast three of, or at least four of, the identified criteria for thesystems and methods described herein.

In certain illustrative embodiments, a system and method for industrialprocess control is provided, and in particular, a system and method forremote monitoring and control of landfill and recycling operations. Thesystem and method can provide an intelligent platform/portal for remote,real-time industrial data gathering and process control for managementof landfill and recycling operations such as leachate, gas, water andother liquids, so that the facility can be controlled by a remoteoff-site user. The system and method can directly upload data from thelandfill site (such as liquid volumes, flows, level, equipment runtime,sorter data, status, etc) onto a centralized platform or portal, and thelandfill wastewater and flare equipment can connected to the platform(e.g. a SCADA platform) to allow remote control of said equipment. Theplatform can automatically monitor the status of the landfill equipmentand can allow to user to make adjustments to setpoints, etc. remotely,thus providing remote web-based operations of landfill environmentaloperational technology. The remotely controlled operations can include:one or more of: remote control of the on/off setpoints for the pumps ata pumping location; remote control of the resetting alarms or alerts;collection of pump motor runtime and amount of pump starts; providingthe remote users the option to adjust pumping levels and enable ordisable alarms without the need for any type of programming; andproviding the remote users the ability to adjust alarm thresholds thusgiving each alarm a pipeline action. For example, the remote monitoringand controlling of flare activity in the landfill facility for disposalof waste materials can include: causing flare gas from the landfillfacility to engage a flare control valve or blower speed that isautomatically operable and capable of supplying flare gas to the flare;obtaining, by at least one reader device located within the landfillfacility, specific real-time data relating to landfill activitycomprising at least one of temperature data, gas pressure data, gasvacuum data, gas flow data, blower motor current, vacuum target setpointand gas flow target setpoint; comparing the obtained landfill activitydata with pre-stored information from a database; analyzing, by aprocessor, the difference between the obtained landfill activityreal-time data and the pre-stored information to identify whether thelandfill activity has surpassed a pre-set threshold value, wherein thepre-set threshold value is based on one or more of gas pressure/vacuum,gas flow, and flare temperature; and automatically operating the flarecontrol valve or blower speed by the processor sending a control signalto the flare control valve to increase or decrease the amount of flaregas supplied to the flare, based on the results of the analysis of thelandfill activity data. In certain illustrative embodiments, a humanuser can also be involved in analyzing the data and/or adjusting any ofthe data points via remote monitoring/control on a portal or otherelectronic platform.

In the illustrative embodiments described herein, the comparing,analyzing and/or determining step can incorporate data and informationrelating to the landfill or recycling facility and its equipment,functionality and operations, or collected from one or more sensorslocated on the various items of equipment. More specifically, thecomparing, analyzing and/or determining steps can include variousdeterminations relating to landfill or recycling options that are usefulto the site owner. In certain illustrative embodiments, the comparing,analyzing and/or determinations can be made or facilitated using datascience to leverage existing internal and external data sources andblend various algorithms and machine learning functionality to discernhidden patterns and extract actionable insights from the raw data.

In the illustrative embodiments described herein, the system can includeone or more data sources and a computer linked to a central server. Datasources may be, for example, devices configured for capturing andcommunicating operational data indicative of one or more operationalcharacteristics of landfill or recycling equipment. Data sources areconfigured to communicate with central server by sending and receivingoperational data over a network (e.g., the Internet, an Intranet, orother suitable network) and/or via hard wiring.

Central server may be configured to process and evaluate operationaldata received from data sources in accordance with user input receivedvia for example, a user interface such as the display provided on alocal or remote computer or cellular or other phone or communicationsdevice, e.g., an electronic viewing portal. In certain illustrativeembodiments, the communication between communications device andcomputer may be provided on a real-time basis. Alternatively,communication device may be configured to temporarily store or cachedata and transfer the data to the central server at some later time

In certain illustrative embodiments, the computer may include aprocessor and software that communicates with one or more memory storageareas. Memory storage areas can be, for example, multiple datarepositories which stores pre-recorded data pertaining to landfill orrecycling related information. Database for data storage can be inmemory storage area and/or supplementary external storage devices as arewell known in the art.

While a “central server” is described herein, a person of ordinary skillin the art will recognize that embodiments of the present invention arenot limited to a client-server architecture and that the server need notbe centralized or limited to a single server, or similar network entityor mainframe computer system or cloud computing systems or edgecomputing systems or internet of things. Rather, the server andcomputing system described herein may refer to any combination ofdevices or entities adapted to perform the computing and networkingfunctions, operations, and/or processes described herein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of embodiments of the presentinvention

While the presently disclosed subject matter will be described inconnection with the preferred embodiment, it will be understood that itis not intended to limit the presently disclosed subject matter to thatembodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives,modifications, and equivalents, as may be included within the spirit andthe scope of the presently disclosed subject matter as defined by theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for remotely monitoring and controllingflare activity in a landfill facility for disposal of waste materials,comprising: (a) causing flare gas from the landfill facility to engage aflare control valve or blower speed that is automatically operable andcapable of supplying flare gas to the flare, (b) obtaining, by at leastone reader device located within the landfill facility, specificreal-time data relating to landfill activity comprising at least one oftemperature data, gas pressure data, gas vacuum data, gas flow data,blower motor current, vacuum target setpoint and gas flow targetsetpoint, (c) comparing the obtained landfill activity data withpre-stored information from a database, (d) analyzing, by a processor,the difference between the obtained landfill activity real-time data andthe pre-stored information to identify whether the landfill activity hassurpassed a pre-set threshold value, wherein the pre-set threshold valueis based on one or more of gas pressure/vacuum, gas flow, and flaretemperature, and (e) automatically operating the flare control valve orblower speed by the processor sending a control signal to the flarecontrol valve to increase or decrease the amount of flare gas suppliedto the flare, based on the results of the analysis of the landfillactivity data.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the landfill datainterface obtains specific real-time data relating to landfill activitycomprising more than one of temperature data, gas pressure data, gasvacuum data, gas flow data, blower motor current, vacuum target setpointand gas flow target setpoint.